Bella Snail (Paludomus sulcatus)
| Bella Snail Paludomus sulcatus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Bella Snail |
| Name Lat. | Paludomus sulcatus |
| Family | Paludomids |
| Family lat. | Paludomida |
| Order | Snails & Slugs |
| Order lat. | Gastropoda |
| Origin | Southern Asia |
| Habitat | Streams |
| Diet | Algae, detritus, snail food |
| pH | 5.5-7.0 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Livebearer |
| Breeding | None reported |
| Life Span | 2-3 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 3 cm |
| Temperature | 18-27 °C |
| Hardness | 1-10 °dH |
| Aquarium | 20 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 1.2" |
| Temperature | 64-81 °F |
| Hardness | 18-178 ppm |
| Aquarium | 5 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The Bella Marbled Snail is common in Kerala, southern India, and the central hill country of Sri Lanka, where it is found in clean, slow-moving rivers and streams at elevations between 100 and 500 m.
Maintenance
They require a well-structured aquarium with roots, stones and plants, as well as oxygen-rich water with a medium current. The substrate of dark sand or gravel should be partially covered with foliage (e.g. sea almond leaves, oak leaves), rotting plant material and mulm
The water quality must be that required for average freshwater fish keeping. No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable in the water and the nitrate value should be below 100 mg/l. When using a filter, make sure that only a weak current is created and that no animals can be sucked in. The lighting must correspond to the natural day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
They feed mainly on algae growth, which they graze from stones, roots, plants and furnishings, but also eat detritus (remains of dead plants and animals). For supplementation and in case of algae deficiency, algae leaves, over-broiled lettuce or sinking dry food for ornamental fish (granules, food tablets) with high vegetable content (spirulina) can be offered, which is usually accepted after habituation. Unaccepted food must be siphoned off after 2-3 hours
Regular and varied feeding promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms.
Behaviour and compatibility
It is recommended to keep these snails in a group of 5-10 animals. They can be kept well in a nano aquarium. Also a socialization with fish, which do not regard snails as food, is well possible. Basically, only mutually compatible species with similar demands on water quality and water temperature should be socialized.
Reproduction and breeding
They are separately sexed. The sexes cannot be distinguished from each other externally. Presumably, like all species of the Paludomus genus, they are ovoviviparous, that is, they give birth to live young.
There are no known reports of successful breeding in the aquarium.
Important
The shell of Paludomus sulcatus, unlike Paludomus loricatus, has a smoother surface and a yellowish brown ground color with dark spots.
To build their shells, they need an adequate supply of calcium. If necessary, calcium should be supplied in the form of limestone, cuttlebone or special preparations from the specialized trade
Foliage (sea almond tree, oak, beech, etc.) not only provides cover, but when rotting promotes the development of microorganisms, which are a valuable secondary food source.
The well-being of the animals should be monitored regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even when contaminant levels have not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced animals must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Barbara Pachner; Image: Alex Rinesch
Source: BITTER (2008): Schnecken-Fibel, Dähne Verlag; ENGELMANN & LANGE (2011): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Wirbellose, Verlag Harri Deutsch