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Melanoides Trumpet Snail
Melanoides Trumpet Snail
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$3.95 USD
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$3.95 USD
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The genus Melanoides
comprises several species of freshwater snails, the most famous being Melanoides tuberculata, commonly known as the Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) or Red-rimmed Melania. These snails are highly valued in the aquarium hobby for their role as "substrate aerators," as they spend daylight hours burrowed in the sand or gravel, effectively preventing anaerobic pockets from forming.
Key Characteristics
- Appearance: They feature distinct, elongated conical shells that can grow up to 1.5 inches (3.8 cm). Their color typically ranges from sandy beige to brown, often marked with reddish-brown spots or "flames".
- Behavior: They are primarily nocturnal. During the day, they remain hidden in the substrate, but they emerge at night to scavenge for food across the tank surfaces.
- Diet: These hardy scavengers feed on detritus, algae, biofilm, and leftover fish food. They are considered "plant-safe" because they generally do not eat healthy live plants.
- Reproduction: MTS are livebearers and can reproduce through parthenogenesis, meaning a single female can produce offspring without a male. This often leads to rapid population growth if the tank is overfed.
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