Apple Snail Question

[Karah's_Mommy]

I'm new to snails, I just got my first apple snails yesterday. I'm going to look for more information, but I'm concerned enough that I want to ask here and hoping for information.

I thought snails reproduced by themselves. I found one snail with some part of his body in the shell of another. It seems he's ripping the little guy from his shell. Is this some normal activity? I gently seperated them and put them in seperate tanks. I'm sorry if this is a silly newbie question, but I'm concerned for the guy who's shell was invaded. Any ideas ? Thanks

 

[The-Wolf]

Apple snails have a male and female and you need both to breed them.
I have not heard of you problem, so I can't help on that one.
try www.applesnail.net I'm sure your find the answer there.

 

[smithrc]

sounds like they were mating

 

[jflowers]

sounds like they were mating

Agreed on the mating AND applesnail.net, very good site!

Jon

 

[Redbled]

You homewrecker you

 

[mandi]

Yup -- definately breeding!

Here's a direct-link to applesnail.net with info and a photo of apple snails reproducing:
http/www.applesnail.net/content/care.php#breeding

Often times there's a misconception that apple snails can reproduce alone -- this isn't true, you need a male and a female. BUT females can store sperm for quite some time and lay eggs even after separated from the male (which is why sometimes it seems as though they're reproducing on their own).

If you don't want to be overrun with snail-babies, apple snails are easy to keep in check. Their egg clutches are laid above the water line, usually on the underside of your aquarium hood. The eggs are laid in a clutch that's white, off-white, or sometimes pink-ish. (There's photos on this page.) If you don't want snail babies, simply remove the clutch from the tank before it hatches.