Malaysian Trumpet Snail

Melanoides tuberculata is a slender, conical-shelled snail that spends much of its time burrowing through substrate, preventing anaerobic gas pockets and consuming decomposing matter. Originally from Southeast Asia, it is live-bearing and extremely adaptable to a wide range of water parameters. Though sometimes considered a pest due to rapid reproduction, it provides genuine biological filtration benefits.

Water: 20–28°C, pH 7.0–8.0; tolerates a wide range of hardness but benefits from moderate calcium. Tank: Minimum 20L; soft or sandy substrate is preferred for burrowing behaviour. Feeding: Detritivore — feeds on decaying matter, uneaten food, and algae without any supplementation needed. Behaviour: Nocturnal burrower; emerges at night to graze on glass and substrate surfaces. Compatibility: Peaceful with all fish, shrimp, and other snails; population can be controlled by reducing overfeeding.