Snails (gastropods) belong to the largest group of molluscs, there is believed to be over 105,000 species making up this group of creatures. The reasons behind such a large and diverse range of species is simply due to their adaptability, they can adapt the way that they move and even feed depending on the environment that they live in.

The knack that they have in adapting to survive actually makes them an excellent addition to the home aquarium which to some creatures can seem inhospitable.

The main characteristics of a gastropod is a single dorsal shell which is often spiral shaped. They propel themselves along on a single flat foot that performs a wave motion on a trail of slippery mucus, all of the snails that we stock at Water Decor are herbivorous (plant eating), they appreciate aquariums with good micro-algae, diatoms and plant growth to sustain themselves.

If you happen to suffer from an algae overgrowth purchasing some snails will help to eradicate this problem. There are other types of less friendly snails to be aware of, cone snails as they are collectively known are carnivorous (meat eating), they will prey on anything from worms to your favorite fish!! so always be aware of what you are purchasing as in the confines of the home aquarium such a predator can be troublesome.

Below are just some of the snails that we regularly keep in stock, however if there is a certain species of snail that you are after we can order them for you.

Bumble Bee Snail (Engina sp.) Care Level: Easy Lighting: T8, T5 or Metal Halide Feeding: Feeds on leftover food and detritus. Temp: 26°C SG 1.023-1.025 Max. Size In Aquarium: Up to 1/2" Temperament: Peaceful Colour: Black, Yellow Reef Compatible: Yes Origin: Marshall Islands.	Tiger Cowrie (Cypraea tigris) Care Level: Easy Lighting: T8, T5 or Metal Halide Feeding: Feeds algae & diatoms. Temp: 26°C SG 1.023-1.025 Max. Size In Aquarium: Up to 4" Temperament: Peaceful Colour: Black, Brown & White Reef Compatible: With Caution Origin: Indo-Pacific.
Turban Turbo Snail (Astraea tecta) Care Level: Easy Lighting: T8, T5 or Metal Halide Feeding: Feeds algae & diatoms. Temp: 26°C SG 1.023-1.025 Max. Size In Aquarium: Up to 2" Temperament: Peaceful Colour: Grey, Cream, White. Reef Compatible: Yes Origin: Asia.