Theodoxus snails

Theodoxus snails are an intriguing addition that bring beauty and usefulness to any aquarium. These tiny freshwater snails are eye-catching accents in any tank because of their vivid shell colors and patterns. However, their allure extends beyond appearances.

Because these snails naturally consume algae, you won’t need to put in as much work to maintain the cleanliness of your aquarium. They are an excellent option for both novice and seasoned aquarists due to their ease of maintenance and ability to adapt to a variety of water conditions.

Theodoxus snails could be the ideal addition to your aquatic environment, whether you’re looking to add a splash of color or want a natural way to manage algae.

Features and description

Despite their peculiar appearance, Theodoxus snails are found in the reservoirs of the former Soviet space. This subspecies was once limited to the oceans, but it has since started to spread to lakes and freshwater rivers. Nereidae is the family in which Theodoxus snails are found.

Theodoxus snails are more complex than they initially appear. These magnificent creatures, which are members of the gastropod order, are colorful, beautiful, and exhibit intriguing behavior.

Characterized by a 1 cm tall, rounded shell. Theodoxus snails can range in color from greenish-pale gray to rich olive or black. Additionally, the shell’s surface is covered in a variety of dots and lines that combine to create odd, wavy patterns.

The shell’s walls stand out for their durability and hardness. The snails living in reservoirs with strong, swift currents are protected by nature from harm and from becoming easy targets for predators.

Varieties of theodoxus snails

Theodoxus snails are classified into various varieties, each with unique features and characteristics, according to the generally accepted classification.

1. Transversalis (Theodoxus transversalis)They are distinguished by the most miniature sizes among all representatives of the genus. They have an inconspicuous shell of a pale gray color, as a rule, without patterns and drawings.
2. Fluviatilis (Theodoxus fluviatilis)The most common variety, especially popular among aquarists. They are found both in seas and freshwater bodies. They have a fairly large shell, reaching about 1.5 cm in diameter. The coloring can be very diverse, but, as a rule, dark tones dominate – black, purple, blue, brown. An interesting behavioral feature of this subspecies is the habit of rubbing algae on stones before eating them. Therefore, in an aquarium intended for keeping such pets, there must be a hard, solid substrate.
3. Danubialis (Theodoxus danubialis)A characteristic feature of this subspecies is a shell painted in white or cream pastel colors. Have medium sizes. They prefer hard water saturated with calcium.
4. Euxinus (Theodoxus euxinus)A rather rare variety of theodoxus, living in reservoirs of the southern part of the European continent. It is distinguished by its miniature size (the shell of adult specimens rarely reaches 8 cm), as well as a specific coloring. Aquarists are attracted by the bright lilac and purple lines covering the grayish shell.
5. Pallasi (Theodoxus pallasi)Live exclusively in the seas and need salt water. Distinguished by the yellowish color of the shell with numerous black inclusions, giving the coloring of the snail a special contrast.
6. Astrachanicus (Theodoxus astrachanicus)Characterized by its small size and olive coloring of the shell, covered with thin black stripes, resembling zigzags in their shape.

Not all of the Theodoxus snail species listed below are appropriate to house in a lab setting. Aquariums are best suited for representatives of freshwater.

Features of keeping

It is a well-founded belief that Theodoxus snails are among the most effortless and modest aquarium occupants. They can be housed in a shared artificial reservoir or in a different aquarium. To set up a "snail farm," you will require a very small tank that holds approximately 5 liters (based on 8–10 individuals).

Regarding the aquatic environment’s parameters, aquarists are advised to follow the temperature regime, which should range from + 19 ° to + 29 ° C, to create the most comfortable conditions. On the other hand, the hardness and acidity indicators don’t really matter.

The primary guideline for caring for Theodoxus snails is to keep an artificial reservoir clean.

As a result, once a week maintenance on high-quality filtration as well as cleaning of the tank and its ornamental components is required. Experts also point out that these mollusks are intolerant of carbon dioxide. Pets may die if there is an overabundance of this substance in the water. Theodoxus snails are negatively impacted by stagnant water as well, so it’s critical to quickly replace the liquid in the tank.

It is necessary to embellish an artificial reservoir with a variety of branches, snags, and stones (learn more about crafting aquarium decorations). Such ornamentation is necessary for theodoxus, who are noted for their strong territoriality, to live comfortably as well as for the creation of an effective aquarium design. Since algae is the primary source of food for these mollusks, each individual selects a distinct area within the reservoir for itself and seldom moves. Typically, food scarcity is the only factor that can lead to voluntary relocation.

It’s interesting to note that theodoxus snails do not harm various green spaces, aquatic environments, or flooded crops grown in aquariums despite their happy consumption of algae.

These shellfish make great cleaners. You can therefore stop worrying about the cleanliness and orderliness of the common artificial reservoir you have brought these pets into.

Theodoxus snails swiftly restore the tank’s back wall to a spotless condition, even if they don’t remove the greenish coating.

While they can survive in brackish water, snails thrive in freshwater where they grow larger, have brighter shells, and live longer.

Behavior and compatibility with aquarium inhabitants

Theodoxus snails are phlegmatic, serene, and calm. They don’t hurt other aquarium occupants in any way. The parameters of the aquatic environment are the only considerations for an aquarist. The truth is that not all fish breeds can tolerate the high levels of hardness and calcium required by snails to form a robust and long-lasting shell. This is the point that needs to be considered when adding fish and snails to the aquarium.

Theodoxus snails should be kept in small flocks; experts advise acquiring at least 6–8 individuals at a time. Even though mollusks live alone, in an artificial reservoir a smaller number of them (because of their small size) will be undetectable. Furthermore, because theodoxus snails can reproduce in both heterosexual and unisexual forms, this quantity is ideal for further procreation. Furthermore, it is just not possible to visually discriminate between males and females.

Keeping Theodoxus snails in an artificial reservoir with large predators is strongly discouraged.

Theodoxus snails are hardy, aesthetically pleasing, small freshwater snails that are a great addition to any aquarium. They eat algae and other debris, which keeps tanks clean. They are also easy to maintain and go well with a variety of fish and plants.

Features of reproduction

Theodoxus snails have an intriguing trait in that they can procreate all year long. All that’s needed to accomplish this is to keep the temperature within a specific range, preferably at least +24 °C. The act of reproduction itself happens naturally and independently; outside interference is not necessary.

Mollusks use a variety of surfaces, including driftwood, aquarium walls, and stones, to deposit their eggs; any sturdy, hard surface will work. The fact that the eggs themselves have a shape akin to a capsule holding multiple tiny eggs is also intriguing.

Only one baby is born after 1.5–2 months, and the remaining eggs are used as food for that baby.

Snails of Theodoxus grow very slowly. Because they are defenseless at first, the babies with fragile shells prefer to hide in the ground to ward off potential threats. An individual’s color, which becomes distinctive to a specific subspecies of Theodoxus snails, can be used to gauge its maturity. On the shell, visible patterns, spots, and lines also gradually start to emerge.

Young people typically reach sexual maturity between the ages of 1.5 and 2 years. A female Theodoxus snail will typically reproduce once every two to three months. Because these gastropods grow slowly and have a short lifespan, aquarists may not be concerned about an artificial reservoir becoming overpopulated.

Possible diseases and problems with maintenance

Excellent immunity, body resistance, and exceptional adaptability set Theodoxus snails apart. As a result, they rarely give their owners any trouble and are virtually immune to illnesses that affect other aquarium residents. Mollusks can only die from stagnant, contaminated water or from an excess of carbon dioxide in the air.

Simply plant enough algae in the aquarium to provide these adorable creatures with food, and you won’t even need to give your pets any special attention. Green and brown algae will definitely appeal to Theodoxus snails. The "black beard" is the only thing they avoid eating, which irritates a lot of aquarists who are sick of battling this quickly spreading plant.

Remarkably, these microscopic organisms benefit both above- and aquatic-water cultures by gently clearing them of algae while avoiding harming higher plants’ rhizomes, stems, or leaf blades.

Theodoxus snails have a short lifespan—even in the best of circumstances, they can only live for two to three years—which is possibly their biggest drawback.

Also read:

• how long do snails live in an aquarium;
• aquarium orderlies;
• Achatina snail.

The main advantages of theodoxus

When compared to many other aquarium inhabitants, theodoxus snails are said by most aquarists to have the following advantages:

• attractive appearance, in no way inferior to other exotic mollusks;
• unpretentiousness in care;
• simple nutrition;
• reproduction throughout the year;
• good and strong health;
• calm and peaceful disposition;
• performing a cleansing function in the aquarium.

Theodoxus snails are lovely, adorable animals that don’t need a lot of care or attention. Apart from their appealing and amiable appearance, these mollusks serve several practical purposes, like eliminating algae and plaque from an artificial reservoir without harming the green aquarium plants. These characteristics have led to a recent increase in the popularity of theodoxus snails among novice and expert aquarists.

Photos of theodoxus snails

Theodoxus snails are an excellent addition to any aquarium because they are useful and aesthetically pleasing. Their distinct patterns of shells create visual interest, and their eating habits of algae keep the tank healthy and clean.

These snails are a fantastic option for both novice and seasoned aquarists due to their hardiness and ease of maintenance. They get along well with other tank occupants and are generally peaceful, growing in a range of water conditions.

You can take advantage of the many benefits that Theodoxus snails offer to your aquarium by giving them the proper conditions and spending some time getting to know their requirements.

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