Not only beautiful dwarf shrimps come from Lake Poso on Sulawesi (formerly: Celebes), but also these large cousins of the well-known tuberculate snail (Melanoides tuberculata). The bright color of the soft bodies of this Tylomelania, which is apparently a scientifically undescribed species, is particularly striking; occasionally the name Tylomelania scalariopas is used for them, but we do not know if this has been scientifically verified. In any case, this name is misspelled, the scientifically described species is correctly spelled Tylomelania scalariopsis (Sarasin & Sarasin, 1897).
Tylomelania species are not algae eaters, but feed on mulm and detritus. It is therefore essential to have a few muddy corners in the aquarium, otherwise the snails will starve to death. They are sexually separate, so there are males and females. However, there are no externally recognizable gender differences. All Tylomelania species are viviparous.
The animals are kept at relatively high temperatures (26-28°C) and a pH value between 7.5 and 8.5.
For our customers: the animals have code 488945 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.
Text & Photos: Frank Schäfer
