Black Devil Snail
Faunus ater
What you need to keep a Black Devil Snail
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pH
7–8.5
Temperature
22–28 °C
Max size
7 cm
Min tank
40 L
Where to buy
Compare prices from SA aquarium shops listing Black Devil Snail.
Avg. price
R80
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Overview
What to know before you buy.
A long, glossy black spire-shelled snail that grazes constantly and does not eat healthy plants. Cannot reproduce in fresh water, making it a safe algae crew member.
Care guide
Keeping Black Devil Snail healthy in a South African setup.
Tank setup
A minimum 40L aquarium suits Black Devil Snail. Add it only to a fully cycled, mature tank: invertebrates tolerate ammonia and nitrite far worse than fish. Keep a lid on: many snails climb out.
Water parameters
Keep pH 7–8.5 and 22–28°C. Never use copper: most fish medications and some plant fertilisers contain it and it kills invertebrates. Drip-acclimate over at least an hour. Enough calcium and hardness keeps shells from pitting.
Feeding
Omnivore — algae, detritus, sinking foods. Remove uneaten food within a few hours so it doesn't foul the water.
Behaviour
Peaceful, active grazer. Most activity happens at night and around feeding.
Tankmates
Many fish eat snails (loaches and puffers in particular). Keep it with small, peaceful fish, or on its own.
Breeding
Whether Black Devil Snail breeds at home depends on the species' larval stage; many need brackish or marine conditions to raise young.
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