Lissachatina agate snail - Achatina reticulata

Achatina Reticulata, also known as Lissachatina Reticulata, is a large, active agate snail usually native to Tanzania and Zanzibar. The snail shell has a light brown base color, more or less covered with lighter and darker stripes, giving a ribbed appearance. In adults, the shell may also flake off somewhat. This snail species reaches a size of about 14 cm. The body of the wild form is characterized by a black head sitting on a beige body, while the albino form is based on the body. The albino form is easy to get, while the wild ones are more expensive and hard to get. The life expectancy of the Achatina Reticulata varies from 4 to 8 years.

The Achatina Reticulata is a very active and curious snail species that moves quickly and is trusting. Unlike other snails, they do not retract when taken out of the house, but curiously explore their surroundings. One noticeable behavior is crawling on top of each other, where the snails literally ride on top of each other and are carried for hours. It is important to note that crossing different species of agate snails can result in hybrids.

To distinguish Achatina Reticulata from other species, one can look at the inner shell margin of the snail, also called the columella. In Achatina Reticulata this margin is white-milky. Achatina Reticulata is usually kept in an aquarium covered with Plexiglas to keep the humidity high. Cork and branches are readily used for climbing, and a plastic water and food dish is also provided. The substrate is terrarium humus/coconut humus, which should be limed with a high percentage carbonic acid lime. The temperature should be between 25 and 26°C, and the humidity should be 80%. Achatina Reticulata feeds mainly on fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears, bananas, cucumbers, carrots and peppers, as well as meadow herbs such as dandelions and daisies.

Overall, the Achatina Reticulata is a very interesting and active snail species, which makes special demands on the terrarium due to its size and curiosity in keeping.