Red-Rimmed Melania (Melanoides Tuberculata)

Red-rimmed Melania, Malaysian Trumpet Snail, Red-rimmed Melania Snail, Common Trumpet Snail, Trumpet Snail, Turret Snail

Distribution

This is a freshwater species, which originally comes from Southeast Asia and is now commonly found almost everywhere in the world in tropical, subtropical and temperate climatic zones (it has been artificially introduced to the environment). Its habitat consists primarily of clean flowing and standing waters with rocky or sandy bottoms (rivers, streams, brooks, ditches, lakes, ponds etc.). It is an invasive species.

External appearance

This is a small snail characterized by a elongated conical shell, in an olive-beige color with darker patches (rusty reddish). The shell is grooved on several top segments (with axial ribs, slightly wavy and spiral), with an oval opening pointed at the top. The body is gray colored, has a short foot, a wide head, with eyes located at the base of the tentacles. This species is often confused with Tarebia granifera, which, however, does not have characteristic spots on the shell. Skimmers are carriers of parasites that can cause diseases in fish and humans: Paragonimus westermani (a fluke causing paragonimiasis), Metagonimus yokogawai (a fluke causing metagonimiasis), Diorchiterema formosanum.

Disposition

Skimmers, despite their tendency for significant and rapid population growth, are very useful in an aquarium. One of their advantages is digging up the substrate, which does not displace plants or decorative elements, nor does it damage plant roots. It contributes to the creation of "air pockets", which facilitate gas exchange and promote healthy growth of our plants' roots. Another advantage seems to be their sensitivity to water quality - making them an ideal indicator. If they stay mainly close to the water surface, it means that something is wrong with our aquarium water and it requires immediate replacement. They do not eat healthy plants, but may eat fish eggs and larvae. These are peaceful snails that do not harm or disturb other tank inhabitants: shrimps and peaceful fish. Avoid large, aggressive fish and natural predators (unless we plan to limit the population). Skimmers are nocturnal, during the day they are buried in the substrate.

Aquarium

As with all snails, not so much the tank capacity is important as the surface area of its bottom - the larger the better. Skimmers require a thick substrate layer where they can freely dig their burrows. The water should not have a strong flow, it should be well-oxygenated. An effective filter and regular partial water changes are essential. It also seems necessary to use rocks, stones and roots - first, to create shaded areas, second, to create natural feeding grounds. The light should be scattered. It is also necessary to use an additional source of calcium in the form of limestone, powdered marble, coral, freshwater mollusk shells, etc. If the snail population begins to get out of control, a good solution seems to be cleaning the substrate from the accumulated organic matter.

Reproduction

This is a species that can reproduce very quickly and rapidly increase its population. This happens when the environment is abundant in food and additionally, the water temperature is high. Snails are dioecious, the female reproduces ovoviviparously. This requires fertilization by the male. Fertilization is internal. The male, equipped with a copulatory organ (protuberance), fertilizes the female, with the sperm being deposited in the sperm reservoir (it can be stored there for a longer time and used when the embryos mature). The female releases fertilized embryos into a special chamber - the so-called brood pouch, they remain in egg membranes. The embryos mature for several weeks (depending on the water temperature) inside the female's body and have a fully formed, small shell. During hatching, the young snails still remain in the egg sheath, which is consumed by the snail in a short time. After birth, the young snails hide for several months in the substrate. Reproduction takes place continuously, and the next, largest embryos are constantly released by the female ( she can have even up to 71 pieces, they are at different stages of development).

Food

Skimmers are herbivorous and scavenging snails. Their menu consists mainly of algae, rotting and dead plants, dead organic matter (detritus), remnants of fish food. Additional feeding is usually not needed, but their diet can be varied with a piece of fresh vegetables (properly prepared beforehand).