▷ Antler snails in the aquarium | All information and details

Data sheet antler snails

German name:
antler snails

Scientific name:
Clithon sp.

Origin:
South East Asia

Size:
up to 2 cm

Aquarium

Length:
40cm length / 40cm width

Contents:
From 12 liters

water values

Temperature:
22-28°C

pH:
6.5-8.0

GH:
> 3.0° – 30.0° dH

Behave

Area:
throughout the aquarium

Lining:
Algae, uneaten food, powdered food

Behave:
very peaceful

Number:
individually or in small groups

Difficulty level:
Beginner

Clithon sowerbyana – Antler Snail Tricolor – Image 1 | © Fishtopia GmbH

The antler snail (Clithon sp.) originally comes from Southeast Asia. It is particularly widespread on the Solomon Islands in the South Seas. She lives there in brackish water area of estuaries and in freshwater ponds. The irregularly arranged, long shell extensions, which protrude from the hard shell of the snail and give them an attractive appearance, give the snail its name. The case is more or less rounded and very thick. It reaches a maximum diameter of 2 cm.

The antler snail is available in many different colors. They can also be colored and patterned very differently within the species. For example, the snail comes in a single color of brown or reddish brown, olive green, golden yellow, orange or black. But very often they are found in a golden yellow color with black spiral stripes (Black & Gold). A special feature of the antler snail: if you place it in slightly different light conditions than before, its coloration or pattern can change.

The antler snail is an extremely peaceful aquarium dweller. Thanks to its hard case and the thorn-like processes it can easily be socialized with all non-snail-eating fish species. These properties are a good protection against other creatures under water.

The antler snail feeds mainly on algae:

It grazes algae from all surfaces without damaging plants and keeps the aquarium glass sparkling clean. But she also accepts leftover food. Since antler snails neither dig nor go to the plants, the aquarium can be planted and decorated as you wish.

She feels most comfortable in an aquarium with a water temperature between 22°C and 28°C. The pH should be between 6.5 and 8.0 and the water hardness should be between 3 and 30. The antler snail can also survive in soft water, although harder water is more in line with its natural habitat.

Reproduction – if breeding in the aquarium is possible

Due to the unknown requirements of the larvae for water and food, night breeding of antler snails is imminent Aquarium not yet possible. The female lays her egg cocoons in the water, but the tiny, hatched larvae need brackish water or sea water for proper rearing. Therefore, night breeding in the aquarium has so far been ruled out.

gender differences

The antler snail is bisexual, but no sex differences can be seen from the outside.

The male genitalia can only be identified when mating and they can be distinguished from one another.

socialization

A socialization of the antler snail (Clithon sp.) is possible without any problems. Care should only be taken to ensure that they are brought together with aquarium inhabitants who do not eat snails.

Their thorn-like appendages and hard shell are perfect protection against larger fish or crabs. A socialization with shrimp and other peaceful snails works best. But mussels, non-snail-eating fish and dwarf crabs are also good. Puffer fish and clown loaches, on the other hand, can become dangerous to the antler snail and eat them.