Black lace snail - Melanoides maculata

At first glance, the Ribbed Black Trefoil from the Philippines, Melanoides maculata, resembles the normal Malayan Trefoil with its tapered shell and even dark coloration. However, if you look closer, you can see the ribbed or grooved pattern that gives the snail its name, which makes its already impressive shell, about 3 - 6 cm long, a true work of art of nature. In general, the ribbed black trumpet snail appears much more filigree and slender than its close relative.

In their way of life, the ribbed black trumpet snails are very similar to the Indian or Malayan trumpet snails. That is, they too loosen and rearrange the substrate, which is an important aid in the aquarium. They bring nutrients and oxygen to the roots of the plants, much like earthworms on land. However, they do not dig quite as much as Melanoides tuberculatus.

The Ribbed Black Trembling Snails are quite hardy and not particularly picky about their food. They therefore actively contribute to keeping the aquarium clean. The Ribbed Black Trumpet Snail finds enough food in the substrate and does not need additional feeding superfluously, which makes these animals extremely low-maintenance and decorative helpers in the aquarium.

Due to their peaceful nature, these snails can be socialized with almost any other aquarium inhabitants - not with snail eaters, of course.

The reproduction of this freshwater snail species takes place without any human intervention. The animals are separately sexual, however the females are capable of self-fertilization. They give birth to live young, which develop in a brood pouch inside the females. Melanoides maculata does not reproduce quite as vigorously as the Malayan Tower Snail.

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.