Spiral Horn Snail
Tylomelania sp.
Description
The Spiral Horn Snail is an interesting and attractive freshwater snail known for its distinctive, spiraling, horn-like shell. The shell can range in color from brown to yellow, often with unique patterns and ridges. The snail’s shell can grow to be relatively long and tapered, and it is characterized by its spiral shape, giving it a “horn” appearance. These snails have a slow-moving nature, and they tend to stay close to the substrate, scavenging for food. Their peaceful behavior makes them suitable for community tanks. They are also known for their ability to help with tank cleaning, particularly with detritus and algae.
Habitat Origin
Native to freshwater rivers and streams in Southeast Asia, particularly in regions like Sulawesi, Indonesia.
Aquarium
Ideal Number in Aquarium: 1 or more individuals, as they can be kept in small groups or alone, depending on the tank size.
Favorite Food
Spiral Horn Snails are scavengers and will eat a variety of foods, including algae, detritus, biofilm, and leftover fish food. They may also nibble on blanched vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, and lettuce. It’s essential to provide them with calcium-rich food, such as crushed eggshells or cuttlebone, to support their shell growth and health.
Behavior:
Spiral Horn Snails are peaceful, slow-moving creatures that stay close to the substrate. They are generally nocturnal, coming out to forage for food during the evening or night. They do not harm plants but may occasionally nibble on softer plant material if food is scarce. They are not aggressive toward tankmates and can be kept with most peaceful species, including fish, other snails, and shrimp.
Special Care:
These snails require a stable environment with clean water and adequate filtration. Since they have an affinity for consuming detritus and algae, it is important to ensure that there is enough organic matter in the tank for them to feed on. They also need a source of calcium to maintain healthy shell growth, so it is important to add supplements like calcium blocks or crushed coral if needed.
Compatibility with Other Fish:
Yes, Spiral Horn Snails are suitable for most community tanks. They can be kept with peaceful fish, shrimp, and other snails. However, they should not be kept with very large or aggressive species that might harm them or disturb their shells. Also, be mindful of predatory fish that might view them as a food source.
Cara Budidaya
Spiral Horn Snail, sering diidentifikasi sebagai bagian dari genus Tylomelania, adalah siput air tawar yang berasal dari danau-danau Sulawesi seperti Danau Poso atau Danau Matano. Berbeda dengan banyak siput air tawar lainnya, Tylomelania adalah vivipar, artinya mereka melahirkan bayi hidup, bukan bertelur. Untuk membiakkan spesies ini, siapkan akuarium khusus atau komunitas damai dengan ukuran minimal 20 liter, substrat pasir halus, dan banyak batu serta kayu sebagai tempat berlindung. Tanaman hidup juga membantu menciptakan lingkungan yang stabil. Parameter air ideal meliputi pH 7,2–8,2, suhu 24–28°C, dan kekerasan sedang hingga tinggi (8–15 dGH).
Persiapan
Spiral Horn Snail tidak membutuhkan induksi pemijahan yang rumit. Selama air bersih, suhu stabil, dan pakan tersedia, mereka akan berkembang biak secara alami. Mereka memakan biofilm, sisa makanan ikan, alga, serta sayuran rebus seperti zucchini atau bayam. Untuk mendukung reproduksi, sediakan kalsium tambahan melalui makanan atau potongan cuttlebone agar cangkang tetap kuat.
Proses pemijahan
Proses reproduksi terjadi di dalam tubuh betina. Bayi akan berkembang dalam kantung reproduksi internal dan dilahirkan satu per satu, biasanya setiap beberapa minggu. Setiap bayi siput yang lahir sudah lengkap dengan cangkang kecil dan langsung aktif mencari makan di dasar akuarium. Jumlah anak per kelahiran rendah (biasanya 1–5 ekor), tetapi tingkat kelangsungan hidup tinggi karena tidak melalui fase telur atau larva.
Pemeliharaan larva
Tidak ada perawatan khusus untuk bayi siput selain menjaga kualitas air dan memastikan mereka tidak bersaing dengan ikan pemakan dasar yang agresif. Penggantian air rutin sebanyak 10–20% per minggu sangat disarankan. Karena siput ini cukup sensitif terhadap perubahan parameter mendadak, selalu gunakan air yang sudah didiamkan dan cocok dengan kondisi akuarium.
Keterangan tambahan
Jenis kelamin Tylomelania sulit dibedakan secara visual, tetapi memiliki rasio jantan dan betina dalam populasi kecil (5–10 ekor) biasanya cukup untuk memastikan reproduksi. Jika kondisi optimal, Spiral Horn Snail dapat berkembang biak secara konsisten dan memperkaya biodiversitas dalam akuarium. Dengan keunikan bentuk cangkang spiral dan reproduksi yang tenang, mereka menjadi salah satu penghuni dasar yang menarik dan mudah dipelihara.