About the species

The lava snail is an Asian species with a tall, pointed tower shell in deep black — hence the name. It can reach around 7 cm, making it one of the more impressive snails in the aquarium. It is an active cleaner that moves across the bottom and along the glass in search of organic material.

Facts

• Latin name: Faunus ater
• Common name: Lava Snail
• Size: 5–7 cm
• Lifespan: Several years

Behavior

Lava Snail is a large, peaceful snail with a tall spire shell that moves slowly across the bottom and likes to bury itself partly. It is peaceful towards shrimp, fish and other snails. Being large it needs a roomy aquarium and a tight lid — bigger snails wander.

Reproduction

• The species has separate sexes and does not reproduce in ordinary fresh water
• The larvae require brackish water, just as with nerite snails
• You will therefore get no unwanted reproduction in the aquarium

Feeding

Lava Snail is a detritus feeder rather than an algae eater and feeds on:

• Decaying plant material and leaves
• Leftover food and organic sludge
• Biofilm in and on the substrate

Expect to feed it regularly:

• Sinking food tablets for snails
• Blanched vegetables such as courgette and carrot
• Catappa and other leaves

Aquarium

• Minimum aquarium size: 60 litres
• Substrate: Sand or fine rounded gravel to burrow in

Difficulty level

🟡 Moderate

Recommendation

Give it at least 60 litres, sand or fine gravel to burrow in and a tight lid, since larger snails wander. Make sure the water does not turn too acidic, and supplement with vegetables if the grazing runs short. Acclimatise it slowly to your water.