Mystery Snail Common Problems & Fixes
1. Thin or Weak Shells
What Happens:
Shells grow thin, brittle, or develop small cracks. Sometimes new shell growth is deformed or uneven.
Why:
Low calcium in water or diet
Soft, acidic water (low GH/KH)
High temperatures accelerating growth
Fix:
Add calcium-rich foods (blanched vegetables, cuttlebone, calcium-enriched pellets)
Maintain stable, slightly harder water (GH 6–12, KH 4–8)
Keep temperature moderate (around 20–24°C) to slow metabolism for sturdier shell growth
2. Cleft Shell (Deformed Sides)
What Happens:
Shell doesn’t form correctly on the sides, appearing “split” or flattened in areas.
Why:
Mineral deficiencies, especially calcium
Acidic water
Sometimes this can be genetic
Fix:
Boost calcium intake for adults and feed supplemental powders like moringa or calcium-enriched snello
Keep pH slightly alkaline (7.2–8.2)
Monitor water parameters carefully—stability is more important than hitting perfect numbers
Genetic cleft shell we can fix this but keeping the correct parameters can greatly improve their quality of life. I’ve found snails with cleft shells don’t thrive as well as ones without
3. Cracked or Chipped Shells
What Happens:
Shell breaks occur along edges or tips; small chips are visible on the aperture or whorls.
Why:
Rough substrate or tank decor
Injuries from filter intakes or other snails
Sudden water parameter changes
Fix:
Use smooth sand or fine gravel
Cover filter inlets and prevent snails from accessing dangerous areas
Maintain stable water conditions to prevent shock
4. Unhealthy Growth or Slowed Activity
What Happens:
Snails stop growing, rarely explore the tank, or remain hidden for long periods.
Why:
Poor water quality (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate spikes)
Inadequate food
Stress from tank mates
Fix:
Perform regular water changes and maintain proper filtration
Feed a balanced diet with vegetables, snail pellets, and supplemental calcium
Keep them with compatible tank mates only—avoid fish that nip antennae or require added salt
5. Floating, Bobbing, or Unusual Swimming
What Happens:
Snails float unusually in the water column, often appearing to drift.
Why:
Usually caused by a sudden ammonia spike or other toxins
Fix:
Test water immediately for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate
Perform a partial water change
Ensure proper filtration and flow in the tank
6. Lack of Food Interest / Refusal to Eat
What Happens:
Snails ignore standard foods or stop grazing on surfaces.
Why:
Poor water conditions
Insufficient calcium
Stress from tank mates or overcrowding
Fix:
Improve water quality and stability
Offer a variety of food: blanched vegetables (carrot, zucchini), snail pellets, algae wafers
Ensure a peaceful environment with enough space
7. Babies / Hatchlings Dying Quickly
What Happens:
Newly hatched snails don’t survive the first few days, or growth is extremely slow.
Why:
Clutch wasn’t handled properly
Babies buried in substrate and trapped
Water quality issues or lack of calcium
Fix:
Use a shallow, bare-bottom grow-out tank
Crumble the clutch into a breeder box with good water flow and optional small sponge filter
Feed immediately with powdered food, moringa, or calcium-enriched snello
Daily water changes during the first few days drastically improve survival
8. Shell Damage from Over-Breeding
What Happens:
Sometimes females develop cleft-like shell damage on the side they have been breeding from frequently.
Why:
Excessive mating by males
Stress on the female’s shell during repeated copulation
Fix:
Remove males temporarily and give the affected females a break
Keep diet and water rich in calcium
Maintain stable water parameters and a low-stress environment
Conclusion
Mystery snails are delicate and very sensitive to changes in their environment, but their problems are largely preventable with consistent care. Most issues—thin shells, cleft growth, inactivity, or hatching failures—stem from water chemistry, diet, or handling. By maintaining stable, mineral-rich water, providing a balanced diet, and carefully managing their environment, you can prevent most problems before they occur.
Even with careful care, it’s easy to make mistakes early on, so observation is key. The sooner you spot a problem, the easier it is to correct and prevent permanent damage.
