Blue Mystery Snail

[lauraj]

I have a blue mystery in each of my 2 tanks. Bought them on the same day. But the snail in my 6 gallon has gotten much bigger. Can I assume that my smaller one is not getting enough food? The smaller one does have to compete for algae with my 3 ottos. I do put in algae wafers, but my platies are such pigs, they end up eating most of it.

I guess putting the snails together in the 6 gallon is an option, but I haven't sexed them yet, it and could mean an overpopulation

Does anyone have any suggestions. I don't want to lose the snail. Thanks!!

 

[Biotope Dude]

I have a blue mystery in each of my 2 tanks. Bought them on the same day. But the snail in my 6 gallon has gotten much bigger. Can I assume that my smaller one is not getting enough food? The smaller one does have to compete for algae with my 3 ottos. I do put in algae wafers, but my platies are such pigs, they end up eating most of it.

Well usually, from what I read and someone correct me if Im wrong, females will grow faster and larger than males. You may have a female in the 6g. In the tank with the Platies and Otto's do you feed when the lights are off? If not try that and see what happens.

I guess putting the snails together in the 6 gallon is an option, but I haven't sexed them yet, it and could mean an overpopulation

Well if they are a male and female and if you put them together you can take the eggs off the glass. They lay there eggs above the water line!

Does anyone have any suggestions. I don't want to lose the snail. Thanks!!

It shouldnt die. If there is algae, and you supplement with algae, and if your fish are messy eaters I wouldnt worry.

 

[lauraj]

Thanks, Dude. I slipped in an algae wafer yesterday after lights out. I forgot that snails are more active at night.

 

[FroggyFox]

I agree...chances are the snail will be fine they eat algae and clean up any leftovers in the tank so if you're giving them extra they'll probably be fine. They grow differently according to tank conditions too...so it could be anything. Maybe he's just a runt

 

[MissFishy]

If these are indeed mystery snails, you don't have to worry about overpopulation, the only way thy can lay their eggs is by climbing out of the water to hang their eggs on the tank side. The egg sacs are pinkish and obvious. If the tank remains full, they will have nowhere to lay eggs.

 

[SAE]

Do check out applesnail.net for great info. As yours is a blue, it means you have a brig (Pomacea Bridgessii).
You do need to feed them, they don't do well on just leftovers and can starve - algae wafers can help but they love high calcium leafy greens. You need to cook them to soften the food. Brigs don't have the mouthparts to eat fresh greens which is why they are safe for planted tanks. Your ottos may well appreciate the extra plant matter too.
My snails get cooked dandelion (no pesticides), kale, zucchini, bok choy and stuff like that.

 

[lauraj]

Thanks for all your help everyone.

I do occasionally add zucchini for my ottos. I'll start adding at night for the snail. If that doesn't work, I'll consider adding the smaller snail to the 6 gallon with the other one. I do keep the water level high, so maybe the eggs won't be an issue if they are a male and female. As long as the little guy can avoid the cray. Although I do have to consider the bio load as well. As it is, my nitrates easily hit 20-30 every week before I do a PWC.