Data sheet agate snail
German name:
agate snail
Scientific name:
Achatina fulica
Origin:
East Africa
Body length:
up to 20 cm
age expectation:
up to 10 years
Behave
Lining:
vegetable
Behave:
peaceful
Number:
two to small group
Difficulty level:
Beginner
Alexander R. Jenner, Snail in Ubud, Bali, 2010 (1), CC BY-SA 3.0
Agate snails are also known as East African giant snails. They are the biggest terrestrial snails and belong to the mollusks. Their real homeland is Africa, but they can now also be found in many tropical countries. Their living environment consists of dry steppes as well as rainy areas and swamps. There they can be found under rotting leaves, under stones, but also on trees, bushes and on house walls.
During a particularly hot and dry climate, the snails protect themselves by creating a so-called dry rest retain. This takes place mainly during the winter months and can last up to several months. During this time, the animals are only moderately active and eat little. Limescale forms on the housing.
Agate snails have one body length of around 20 cm. The housing is conically shaped and tapers towards the back. It can reach a height of 7 to 10 cm. The color ranges from reddish brown to light to dark brown. The color may change depending on the diet of the animals. The total weight is up to 500 g.
The body consists primarily of a large foot that allows crawling. The antennae, eyes and mouth are located on the head. For the intake of food, the snails have a so-called «Radula». This is a kind of tongue with tiny teeth for crushing food. The body organs are located in the so-called «coat», which is located in the snail shell.
acquisition and maintenance
Agate snails are only allowed to several, but at least two people are required. Since it is a large species, the terrarium must be correspondingly large. The higher the number of animals, the larger the tank. A overstocking harm them!
The ideal dimensions for two adult specimens are at least 80 cm long x 40 cm deep x 40 cm high. When keeping a small group, the size must not be less than 100 cm x 40 cm x 40 cm – there are no upper limits. The pool should have a cover and adequate air circulation.
Terrarium requirements
The right soil substrate consists of a high mixture of garden soil, deciduous forest humus and sand. The minimum height for adult snails is one and a half times the shell length. The soil should definitely be limed so that the environment is not acidic. 20 g per 10 liters of substrate lime (Garden lime, lawn lime) the ideal amount. The coverage is done with one layer fall foliage eg beech and oak.
The furnishings are made of some soft wood, cork bark or roots. The snail can hide here if necessary. Living plants also belong in the tank. If these are eroded, they should be replaced.
Agate snails are considered very peaceful conspecifics. They can be mixed with other peaceful species that have the same climatic conditions. socialized become. Of course, the size of the pool must also be adapted to the number of residents. Advisable roommates are, for example: centipedes, beetles, small mantids and phasmids. For the soil hygiene isopods and springtails have proven particularly useful in the terrarium.
gender differences
The sexes of the agate snails are difficult to distinguish. Because it hermaphrodite are, they possess both female and male reproductive organs.
feed and nutrition
The plant-based diet in the terrarium consists of various salads, vegetables and fruits. Herbs, dandelion and mushrooms are also popular. Very acidic fruits such as lemons and oranges must be avoided. The lining pieces should be cleaned and cut into small pieces. It is important that there are no artificial fertilizer or spray residues in the food. The food in the terrarium should be lightly sprayed with lukewarm water.
Something cuttlebone should not be missing from the menu. A clean container with fresh water that is not too cold is also part of the diet.
acclimatization and handling
In good conditions, the undemanding species quickly settles into the new environment. It is a matter of peaceful and calm animalswho like to sit on the panes of the terrarium.
Tip: To keep them healthy, the snails are given a bath in healing earth once a week. For this purpose, some healing earth is slurried up in a flat bowl with water. Some healing earth should also be mixed into the substrate.
Since these are hermaphrodites, the animals will sooner or later mate. Achatina fulica in particular is sexually mature before the final growth. As a rule, mating takes place at night and the snails are very close to their bodies on the head and antennae. The act can last for several hours. After 2 to 4 weeks they lay numerous eggs in a hole in the ground.
Regular cleaning of the tank and the water tank is essential for the health of the animals. With species-appropriate care, agate snails can grow up to 10 years to become old.