Red-rimmed Melania
Melanoides tuberculata (red variant)
Also known as: Red-rimmed Melania, Red MTS
Origin: Southeast Asia
Water Parameters
Quick Stats
- Max Size
- 3 cm
- Min Tank
- 20 L
- Lifespan
- 1-2
- Swimming Level
- bottom
- Schooling
- No
- Diet
- omnivore
- Temperament
- peaceful nocturnal burrower
About
The Red-rimmed Melania is a colour variant of Melanoides tuberculata featuring warm reddish-brown banding on its conical shell, making it more visually appealing than standard MTS while retaining the same tireless burrowing and scavenging behaviour. It is live-bearing, hardy, and an effective biological substrate cleaner in any planted or community tank.
Care Guide
Water: 20–28°C, pH 7.0–8.0; adaptable but thrives in moderately hard, calcium-rich water. Tank: Minimum 20L; fine sand or soft gravel supports its natural burrowing behaviour. Feeding: Feeds on biofilm, detritus, and uneaten fish food; no supplementation required in a stocked tank. Behaviour: Primarily nocturnal; surfaces in darkness to graze and retreats into substrate during daylight. Compatibility: Totally peaceful; safe with fish, dwarf shrimp, and other invertebrates.
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