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Contents
Overview
Rabbit snail is the hobby name for several Tylomelania species, snails from the lakes and rivers of Sulawesi, Indonesia. They have a long spiral shell that can exceed 3 in (8 cm) and a striking body in yellow, orange or black with pale dots. The name comes from the face: a broad snout and two long tentacles that look like droopy rabbit ears.
They are calm, slow-moving and very endearing to watch. They suit anyone who wants a large, unusual snail that will not become a pest. They are not hard to keep, but they are fussier about temperature than most snails.
Care and tank setup
Because of their size they need at least 15 gallons (60 L), with plenty of floor space, fine sand and some rocks or driftwood. In the wild they live in very warm, stable, alkaline water that is not especially hard: keep 79-82 °F (26-28 °C), pH above 7 and a calcium source for the shell.
- Stability: they dislike sudden changes, so acclimate slowly and do moderate water changes.
- Tankmates: peaceful with fish and shrimp. Sulawesi shrimp share the same water needs and are a classic pairing.
- Plants: they leave most plants alone, though hungry snails may nibble very soft leaves.
The typical mistake is housing them in an ordinary 74-75 °F (23-24 °C) community tank or in acidic water: they become sluggish and their shells erode. Feed them properly too, since a snail this big cannot live on algae alone.
Feeding
They are hearty omnivores. They graze algae, biofilm and leftovers, but need extra food daily or nearly so: sinking wafers, shrimp and snail foods, blanched vegetables (zucchini, cucumber, spinach) and dried Indian almond or oak leaves. Some calcium in the diet helps the shell grow strong.
Breeding
Rabbit snails have separate sexes. Instead of clutches, the female produces a capsule with a single large egg every few weeks, from which a fully formed baby about 0.4 in (1 cm) long emerges. They are therefore treated as livebearers, and breeding is slow with no risk of a population explosion. A group of four to six in warm water will usually produce young.
Compatible tank mates
Species from our database that share water parameters, size and temperament with the Rabbit snail (Tylomelania). Calculated from the data in each profile.
Amano shrimp Caridina multidentata 11 gal (40 L) · 64–82 °F (18–28 °C) 
Guppy Poecilia reticulata 14 gal (54 L) · 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) 
Molly Poecilia sphenops 26 gal (100 L) · 75–82 °F (24–28 °C) 
Nerite snail Neritina natalensis 5 gal (20 L) · 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) 
Horned nerite snail Clithon corona 5 gal (20 L) · 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) 
Yellow lab cichlid Labidochromis caeruleus 53 gal (200 L) · 75–82 °F (24–28 °C) 
Blue acara Andinoacara pulcher 53 gal (200 L) · 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) 
Eastern rainbowfish (splendid rainbowfish) Melanotaenia splendida 53 gal (200 L) · 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) 
Dwarf neon rainbowfish Melanotaenia praecox 32 gal (120 L) · 75–82 °F (24–28 °C) 
Firemouth cichlid Thorichthys meeki 53 gal (200 L) · 75–84 °F (24–29 °C) 
Convict cichlid Amatitlania nigrofasciata 40 gal (150 L) · 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) 
Blood parrot cichlid Amphilophus hybrid 53 gal (200 L) · 75–82 °F (24–28 °C) Check the compatibility of your whole tank →
What not to keep it with
Popular species you shouldn’t house with the Rabbit snail (Tylomelania), and why.
- Common goldfish: incompatible temperatures
- Panda cory: incompatible temperatures, incompatible pH
- Zebra danio: incompatible temperatures
- Discus: incompatible pH
- Clown loach: incompatible pH, eats snails
- Oranda goldfish: incompatible temperatures
- Oscar: incompatible pH, eats snails
- Ram cichlid: incompatible pH
Recommended equipment
What you need to keep the Rabbit snail (Tylomelania) healthy, checked against Amazon stock.
Frequently asked questions
How many liters does a Rabbit snail (Tylomelania) need?
At least about 60 liters. More space always helps keep the water stable.
What water temperature does the Rabbit snail (Tylomelania) need?
Between 26 and 30 °C, with a pH of 7.2 to 8.5.
What fish can live with the Rabbit snail (Tylomelania)?
Based on water, size and temperament, it fits with species such as Amano shrimp, Guppy, Molly, Nerite snail and Horned nerite snail. Use our compatibility calculator to check your whole tank.
