Himalayan Rabbit Snails (Tylomelania marwotoae) are a large, live-bearing freshwater snail endemic to the ancient lakes of Sulawesi, Indonesia. They are named for the long, floppy antennae and extended elephant-like proboscis that gives the genus its common names -- the antennae resemble rabbit ears, the snout resembles an elephant's trunk, and the overall face is unlike any other freshwater snail in the hobby. The body of T. marwotoae specifically is jet black with distinctive golden-yellow spots distributed across the foot and body tissue, contrasting dramatically with the heavily fluted, ivory-to-yellowish shell. The shell itself is tall and conical with pronounced ribbing and intricate surface patterning, growing to up to 4 inches in exceptional specimens. Rabbit Snails are live-bearing and produce only one fully-formed offspring at a time -- population growth is inherently slow and controlled, and a tank will never be overrun. They require warm, alkaline water and are not compatible with standard Caridina parameters. Safe with all Neocaridina shrimp and a genuinely engaging, long-lived tank inhabitant.
Appearance & Character
Body, Shell & Movement
Jet-black body with golden-yellow spots -- the defining appearance of T. marwotoae -- the body tissue of the Himalayan Rabbit Snail is a deep, near-matte black covered in distinctive golden-yellow spots distributed across the foot and visible body surface. This combination -- black body, gold spots, ivory-white fluted shell -- is among the most striking colour contrasts available in freshwater invertebrates. The golden spots are visible in motion and at rest, and catch light vividly in a well-lit tank.
Heavily fluted white-to-yellowish conical shell with intricate surface patterning -- the shell of the Himalayan Rabbit Snail is tall, conical, and distinguished by pronounced longitudinal ribbing that gives it a heavily textured, almost architectural quality. The base colour is white to ivory with yellowish tones and intricate surface markings that vary in distribution between individuals. The shell grows continuously throughout the snail's life, with new growth laid down at the aperture -- the quality and clarity of new shell growth is a reliable indicator of water quality and calcium availability.
Elongated elephant-like face with long floppy antennae -- unlike any other freshwater snail -- the extended proboscis and long, drooping antennae of Rabbit Snails give them a face that is immediately recognisable and genuinely endearing at close range. The antennae are constantly in motion, probing surfaces and the water column for food. The combination of the face, the large conical shell, and the slow, deliberate movement of the snail creates a presence in the tank that no other freshwater invertebrate replicates.
Slow, deliberate, and consistently active -- visible day and night -- Rabbit Snails are active during both day and night, moving continuously across hardscape, glass, substrate, and plant surfaces at a measured pace. Their slow movement is not lethargy -- it is the normal speed of a large, heavy-shelled grazing snail -- and their constant exploration of the tank makes them one of the most consistently visible and engaging freshwater invertebrates available. A well-maintained Rabbit Snail is never hiding.
Up to 4 inches at full maturity -- one of the largest commonly kept freshwater snails -- Himalayan Rabbit Snails grow slowly over their 3--4 year lifespan, reaching up to 4 inches in shell length in exceptional conditions. Most specimens in the hobby are between 1.5 and 3 inches. Their size means they produce proportionally more waste than smaller snail species -- tank volume and filtration should be sized accordingly.
Reproduction
Live-Bearing -- One at a Time
Live-bearing -- releases a single fully formed juvenile in a white egg sac every 4--6 weeks -- Rabbit Snails give birth to live young rather than laying egg clutches. Each birthing event produces a single offspring enclosed in a soft, creamy-white egg sac roughly the size of a pencil eraser. The sac dissolves within minutes of release, revealing a fully formed juvenile that immediately begins moving and feeding. Population growth is inherently slow and predictable -- a pair of Rabbit Snails will never produce population pressure in a tank.
Dioecious -- separate male and female sexes, unlike most aquarium snails -- most freshwater snails are hermaphroditic. Tylomelania are an exception -- they have distinct male and female individuals. Visual sexing is difficult; the most reliable method is observing mating behaviour. A group of three or more increases the likelihood of having both sexes represented. Two snails of the same sex will coexist peacefully but will not reproduce.
Water & Care
Parameters & Requirements
Warm, alkaline water required -- not compatible with Caridina parameters -- Himalayan Rabbit Snails originate from the warm, mineral-rich ancient lakes of Sulawesi and require water conditions that reflect this origin. Temperature 76--84°F, pH 7.5--8.4, GH 8--18, KH 5--15. These parameters are incompatible with Caridina setups using active substrate and low pH. Standard Neocaridina parameters are borderline adequate but the higher end of the Neocaridina range (pH 7.4--7.8, warmer temperatures) produces significantly better results. A dedicated warm Sulawesi-style setup is ideal.
Sandy substrate preferred -- fine sand supports natural foraging and movement -- Rabbit Snails forage primarily at the substrate level and move most comfortably on fine sand. They do not burrow like Malaysian Trumpet Snails but prefer to move across the sand surface and probe it with their proboscis. Fine sand also prevents shell tip damage from rough gravel surfaces -- the tip of the Rabbit Snail's shell is prone to chipping on coarse substrate.
Subdued to moderate lighting -- avoid intense direct light -- Himalayan Rabbit Snails prefer lower light conditions and will seek shaded areas under intense lighting. Ensure the tank has adequately shaded zones using driftwood, hardscape overhangs, or floating plants. This is not a critical care failure point but a snail kept consistently in high-intensity light will spend more time hiding and less time actively foraging in the open.
Calcium supplementation strongly recommended -- shell quality reflects water mineral content directly -- the quality of new shell growth is visible and immediate. In mineral-rich water with adequate calcium new shell growth at the aperture is smooth, well-defined, and clearly coloured. In calcium-poor water new growth is thin, pitted, or discoloured. Add cuttlebone or a dedicated calcium supplement and maintain GH above 8 for best long-term shell health. Fully safe with all Neocaridina shrimp.
Keeper's NoteHimalayan Rabbit Snails are one of the few freshwater invertebrates that genuinely improve the more closely you observe them -- the golden spots on the black body, the elephant-like face, the way the antennae probe every surface, the deliberate slow crossing of open hardscape -- all of it rewards attention at close range in a way that faster-moving animals do not. A single well-conditioned Himalayan Rabbit Snail moving slowly across the front glass of a shrimp tank is the kind of thing that stops visitors mid-conversation. Keep two or three alongside Fire Red Cherry or Snowball shrimp for a display that works at every scale of observation.
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