Bee snail - Brotia dautzenbergiana

The bee snail Brotia dautzenbergiana has a to 4 cm long tapering shell. It originates from Thailand, where it is quite widespread and also occurs in large numbers. Its typical tower-shaped case is closed by a lid (operculum). The basic color of the shell is beige light brown to yellowish, but the bee snail gets its name from the dark brown to reddish brown broader or narrower spiral stripes running out to the sides in orange, which actually remind a bit of the stripe pattern of a bee. The body color of the bee snail is dark brown with numerous light brown to orange tiny pigment spots, the antennae have slightly larger spots. The snail has a distinct proboscis, which is so typical of Brotia.

But not only the coloring of the bee snail is a real eye-catcher, the animals are in addition very useful, because they take care of food remains in the gravel and thereby also work through the gravel. However, the bee snail does not bury itself completely. Brotia dautzenbergiana is a rather large snail and therefore needs additional food, it usually does not manage with the leftovers in the aquarium. Besides algae and biofilms, special snail food as well as brown autumn leaves are well accepted, also soft vegetables are eaten with pleasure. Since the bee snail, like most species of the genus Brotia, also feeds by filter feeding, a regular dust feeding is very good for it.

Bee snails are absolutely peaceful snails, which can also live in a community tank - provided that the fellow inhabitants do not eat snails and do not annoy the snails by plucking at their antennae (as many guppies or danios do). Basically we recommend a species aquarium for this beautiful snail. Especially with other filter feeders like mussels, other Brotia species or piano snails or also with fan shrimps the bee snail can be kept very well, provided there is enough food available. In nature it is usually found on hard substrates in areas with a strong current, so it goes very well with fan shrimp. A "digging spot" in the form of a corner with healing earth or very fine sand is very gladly accepted and well used.

Brotia dautzenbergiana gives birth to live young, which grow up in fresh water. In the aquarium breeding is possible, but not easy. Therefore overpopulation is not to be feared at all. The bee snail is bisexual and not capable of self-fertilization. Unfortunately it is not possible to tell from the outside which animal is male and which is female, so we recommend buying a larger group of at least 6 snails to increase the probability that both sexes are present.

Brotia dautzenbergiana likes a pH of 7-8, and mineral rich water with a carbonate hardness of 3-8 and a total hardness of 6-15.  It feels comfortable in the temperature range of 22-25 °C.

Our food recommendation: With the Natureholic Snail Feed Power Paste you create a feeding lawn that is very well accepted by all aufwuchs feeding snails. Also delicate wild-caught snails such as racing snails or staghorn snails, which are stressed after transport and do not go to conventional food, can be fed up well with it.

Our plant recommendation: Use for the planting NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planarians and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend for fish keeping the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.

Actively prevent outbreaks: With the invisible Natureholic Snail Barrier you prevent the escape and loss of your snails from the aquarium.