Freshwater snails typically have a lifespan of 2-5 years when kept in captivity. However, not all snails can reach old age. It is disheartening for tank hobbyists when their snails die prematurely. So, what are the most common causes of snail mortality?
Your snails may die due to old age, toxicity, unfavorable water parameters, sickness, and improper feeding. However, most tank snails meet their demise due to stress. To increase their lifespan, provide a proper diet, protect them from predators, and consistently maintain optimal water quality.
In this article, I will analyze the most common causes of snail mortality. First, I will examine the primary factors that contribute to snail deaths. Next, I will discuss methods for identifying deceased snails and provide insights on how to handle them.
Old Age
Some snails have the privilege of reaching old age and passing away naturally. With old age comes various physiological limitations, such as:
- Weakened immune system
- Organ failure
- Decreased energy levels
When snails die of old age, they often seal themselves inside their shells and shrink as they perish. Therefore, regular tank checks should be conducted to detect any deceased or dying snails.
Consider any snail that exceeds four years of age as old and susceptible to natural causes of death.
Also Read: How Long Do Snails Live?
Toxicity
One of the primary reasons for the potential demise of your snails is elevated toxicity levels in the tank. Snails are delicate creatures with a low tolerance for high concentrations of ammonia, nitrite, and heavy metals.
Among the most toxic heavy metals for snails are:
- Copper
- Lead
- Mercury
- Barium
Regular water changes and consistent monitoring of water parameters are essential for eliminating toxins from your tank.
The Poly Filter Poly-Bio-Marine for Fish Aquarium filter is a highly effective tank neutralizer that swiftly eliminates copper and other heavy metals. This user-friendly product is suitable for all tank pets.
To address ammonia and nitrite spikes, I recommend using the Ammonia & Nitrite Remover for All Aquariums Bacterlife. This blend of bacteria is suitable for both cold and tropical freshwater tanks. It contains a combination of heterotrophic and autotrophic bacteria.
Heterotrophic bacteria directly break down organic waste in the tank into ammonia. In contrast, autotrophic bacteria consume this ammonia and other soluble nitrogen compounds. The key advantage of this product is its ability to reduce ammonia and nitrite levels in your tank without first escalating them to dangerous levels.
Related Reading: Can Snails Live in High Ammonia?
Unfavorable Water Parameters
Another possible reason for the mortality of your tank snails is unfavorable water parameters. These parameters include the following:
- Temperature
- pH
- Hardness
- Lighting
The optimal temperature range for freshwater snails is 65–83°F (18-28 °C), while the recommended pH level falls between 7-8. Additionally, water hardness in the 70–90 ppm range of calcium is advisable.
Also Read: Can You Use Repti Calcium for Snails?
Snails are primarily nocturnal creatures, so lighting is not a significant concern. However, some light exposure, preferably sunlight, can be beneficial. Deviations from these ideal conditions can induce stress in snails, eventually leading to their demise.
I recommend the SJ WAVE 7-in-1 Freshwater Aquarium Test Kit as a valuable tool for monitoring water parameters in your tank. This kit provides accurate and rapid testing for the seven core tank parameters. It is user-friendly and precise in its measurements.
Sickness
At times, your snails may perish due to sickness or poor health. Inadequate water parameters and toxicity can often be the underlying causes of snail sickness, but infections can also be responsible.
Although snails are generally hardy, they are not immune to parasitic infestations. Notably, Ich is a common ailment that affects snails, and flukes can cause damage to their internal organs, leading to fatality if left untreated.
To address these issues, I recommend regular baths using broad-spectrum antibacterial medications such as API MELAFIX Freshwater Fish Bacterial Infection Remedy. This medication has demonstrated great efficacy in combating bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections in fish and other tank invertebrates.
Recommended Reading: 4 Best Algae Killers for Your Snail Tank
Improper feeding
Snails can also perish as a result of undernutrition. They require sufficient protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals for healthy growth and development. Insufficient nutrition leads to stunted growth and weakened immunity.
The risk of undernutrition is highest in tanks where snails rely solely on algae as their primary food source, with little to no supplemental feeding. The following are ideal supplementary foods for snails:
- Algae wafers
- Bottom feeder pellets
- Blanched vegetables
I recommend providing your snails with a supplemental diet once a day. Be mindful not to overfeed and cause ammonia spikes in the tank.
Furthermore, it is crucial to provide snails with an ample supply of calcium to support proper shell growth. Calcium deficiencies are primarily responsible for shell defects such as cracks and discoloration.
The Seachem Reef Advantage Calcium is an excellent choice for boosting calcium levels in your tank. This calcium blend is affordable, user-friendly, and environmentally friendly. It can be used in freshwater and marine tanks, reducing acidity levels while supporting the growth of aquatic plant life.
How to Identify Dead Snails
The Smell Test
This method is effective for snails that have been deceased for some time, providing authentic results. To determine if your snail has died, simply give it a sniff. The snail is likely dead if you detect a pungent odor resembling rotten food.
Decomposing snail tissues release a significant amount of ammonia, which accounts for the smell. It is advisable to promptly conduct a water parameter test to rule out an ammonia spike in the tank.
The Shell Examination Test
As the soft body of a snail decomposes, the tissues rapidly shrink and dissolve. After a few days, all that remains is an empty shell.
Therefore, inspect the snail shells, and if you come across an empty shell, it indicates that the snail has perished and decomposed. You can use a flashlight to ascertain if the material inside the shell has shrunk.
Reaction Test
A living snail will respond to touch and other external stimuli. Gently tap the snail’s shell and observe its reaction. If there is no response, the snail is likely deceased.
What To Do With Dead Snails
Decomposing snails generates a significant amount of ammonia, so it is crucial to promptly remove dead snails from the tank. If you determine that the snail has been deceased for some time, conduct a water parameter test and, if necessary, perform a water change immediately. Empty shells, having minimal aesthetic value, should also be removed from the water.
Closing Remarks
Snails can perish due to various factors, including old age, sickness, and stress. It is important to be mindful of the main snail stressors, such as poor water conditions and unfavorable parameters.
Keeping your tank water clean and maintaining ideal parameters is a simple yet effective way to prevent premature snail deaths.
Additionally, providing your snails with high-quality meals that offer all the necessary nutrients is essential.
Sources
- Jeb Foods: Ways to know If a Snail Is Dead
- Global Seafood Alliance: Utilization of heterotrophic and autotrophic bacteria in aquaculture
- Lenntech: Nitrate and Nitrite
