Bumblebee Snail
Engina mendicaria
What you need to keep a Bumblebee Snail
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pH
8.1–8.4
Temperature
24–27 °C
Max size
2 cm
Min tank
40 L
Where to buy
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Overview
What to know before you buy.
A small banded marine snail that sifts sand and rockwork for leftovers. Note it is a scavenger rather than an algae grazer, and may predate tiny worms.
Care guide
Keeping Bumblebee Snail healthy in a South African setup.
Tank setup
A minimum 40L aquarium suits Bumblebee 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 8.1–8.4 and 24–27°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
Carnivore — detritus, leftover meaty foods. Remove uneaten food within a few hours so it doesn't foul the water.
Behaviour
Reef-safe scavenger. 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 Bumblebee Snail breeds at home depends on the species' larval stage; many need brackish or marine conditions to raise young.
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Market intelligence
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Price tracking started 22 Aug 2026 — chart builds as listings are updated
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