Snails

Why do snails die
Besides the obvious params being messed up
I had in 5 snails when I got them on June 3rd of this year. 2 weeks later one died. Then today another one died. I don't think its param related because the shrimp would have died first or a fish, besides I tested the water a week ago and everything checked out. Additional info I currently have some algae issues. Is there any possible reason why hey would die,( they were bigger in shell size than the other snails)?

 

A lot could happen in a week. What are your params now? What fish do you have in there?

 

I have found the same thing happens to me. I bought 5 margarita snails about 2 months ago and slowly one by one they die and there is no cause. My params are fine and stable and all the other snails are fine. I have no idea the reason. maybe temperature?

 

Yellow tang, 4 stripe damsel, flame angel, maroon clown, and diamond goby

 

Currently 77.8
But no lights are on

 

Life span of Margarita snails is significantly shortened by the temperatures we keep our reef tanks at, even the ones advertised as coming from the warmer waters off the coast of Mexico and S. America. They do a great job of eating algae but they die off much quicker than other snails.

Other things to consider are death by hermit crab, polyclad flatworms, pyramid snails and swings in SG and pH.

 

+1

Could also be from starvation- not all snails will eat all types of algae.

 

I certainly also have my share of empty snail shells for no apparent reason.

 

...and don't forget that warm water snails tend to live hard, grow quick, and die fast. Some of the larger species can live into their teens or even longer in their natural habitat, but many of them only have a natural lifespan of three or four years or even less. Most were probably collected as adults, and maybe even old adults.

Cheers,



Don

 

Will snails eat man made foods please specify