Despite sharing a common name with traditional Sulawesi freshwater rabbit snails (Tylomelania), the King Rabbit Snail (Cerithidea sp.) is a distinct, rare semi-aquatic brackish invertebrate. Native to the coastal mangroves and tidal estuaries of Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific, these snails feature heavy, elongated spiral shells decorated with earthy tan, beige, and deep chocolate tones.
Unlike fully aquatic snails, Cerithidea thrive in dynamic shoreline habitats. They spend part of their day submerged grazing on biofilm and the other part resting above the waterline on driftwood, roots, or exposed glass. This amphibious behavior makes them an ideal centerpiece species for brackish setups, paludariums, and coastal vivaria.
Specifications & Parameters
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Scientific Name |
Cerithidea sp. |
| Origin |
Wild-collected (Southeast Asia / Indo-Pacific) |
| Adult Size |
1.5 - 2" |
| Water Type |
Brackish |
| pH Range |
7.5 – 8.5 |
| Temperature |
75°F – 82°F (24°C – 28°C) |
| Minimum Tank Size |
10 Gallons (with accessible land/emerged area) |
| Temperament |
Peaceful |
Habitat & Aquascaping
To keep Cerithidea snails thriving, their enclosure should mimic a tidal mangrove shore:
-
Substrate: Provide a soft, fine sand or silt substrate. These snails naturally burrow into fine sediment to rest or scavenge for organic material.
-
Emerged Decor: Position smooth stones, driftwood, or mangrove roots so they break the water’s surface. Cerithidea regularly climb above the waterline to rest.
-
Botanicals: Introduce Indian almond leaves or mangrove leaves. As they break down, they provide both natural biofilm grazing grounds and essential organic tannins.
-
Escape Prevention: Because these snails are active, proficient climbers that routinely travel above the waterline, a tightly fitted lid with no gaps is mandatory.
Feeding & Nutrition
King Rabbit Snails are generalist scavengers and detritivores. In a established tank, they continuously graze on algae, organic matter, and naturally occurring biofilm.
-
Primary Diet: Biofilm, decaying leaf litter, and micro-algae.
-
Supplemental Foods: Sinking algae wafers, blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, kale), and high-calcium invertebrate pellets.
-
Note: Adequate mineral intake (calcium) in alkaline water (pH 7.5+) is vital to maintain shell thickness and prevent erosion.
THESE ARE WILD CAUGHT SNAILS SO PLEASE, KEEP IN MIND THAT SOME SNAILS CAN HAVE SHELL DAMAGE.
DO NOT USE COPPER IN AQUARIUMS CONTAINING SNAILS!
