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I just purchased a Gold Apple Snail for my 2 gallon Betta tank with the thought that it may help a bit with some of the Algae in the tank and that it is just cool!

The little snail originally floated for an hour or two, but dropped to the bottom (I understand this is normal?) and has been loafing around the bottom for some time in the same spot.

I did see its little body poke out around the protector plate for a brief period and it has no problems with opening up just a tiny bit.

Just curious to know the habits of these little snails, and what they do/don't like. I wondered if maybe they prefer darkness to light etc?

I don't notice a difference. My snails will crawl along the glass hood under the really bright pc lights and they'll crawl around the tank in the dark. They don't seem to care. Snails usually hide under their shell when they've been picked on by fish. Either the betta might have nipped at an antenae or the fish in the tank it was in before. If the betta leaves him alone he might eventually get over being picked on and let you see his body and antenae when crawling around. Applesnails do not survive well on just algae and aren't the greatest algae eaters. The small ones you buy that fit in a betta tank are mostly carnivours. They prefer fish foods,any sinking food works including crab or lobster foods, but will scrape at algae in passing and like the occasional vegetable treat such as a chunk of cucumber or a lettuce leaf.

my females will go right up to the lights to lay their eggs above the waterline. i don't think they have any aversion to the light at all.

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"That's the trouble with political jokes in this country... they get elected!" -- Dave Lippman

Well thanks for the update! I did see my little snail moving around this morning in all his glory. Its really quite exciting since I have never had a snail before.

Thanks for the words of advice on feedings. I will accomodate this little one food-wise.

So far the Betta is quite indifferent to the snail. in fact, they appear to even slumber together at times.

Thanks folks as always!

the only thing i would be concerned about is the betta attacking the antennae of the apple snail thinking they're worms. if you feed your betta worms this will definitely become a problem later.

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"That's the trouble with political jokes in this country... they get elected!" -- Dave Lippman

I don't think that the tank light will effect the Snail.


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