{"product_id":"hairy-snail-thiara-cancellata","title":"Hairy Snail (Thiara cancellata)","description":"\u003cbody\u003e\n\n\n  \n\u003cmeta name=\"viewport\" content=\"width=device-width,initial-scale=1.0\"\u003e\n  \u003ctitle\u003eHairy Snail - Superior Shrimp and Aquatics\u003c\/title\u003e\n  \u003clink href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Playfair+Display:wght@400;600;700\u0026amp;family=DM+Sans:wght@300;400;500\u0026amp;display=swap\" rel=\"stylesheet\"\u003e\n  \u003cstyle\u003e\n\n    .ssa-pd *, .ssa-pd *::before, .ssa-pd *::after { box-sizing: border-box; }\n    @keyframes fadeUp { from { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(16px); } to { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); } }\n    .ssa-pd { font-family: 'DM Sans', sans-serif !important; color: #1e1a1a !important; background: #fff !important; line-height: 1.75 !important; }\n    .ssa-pd .hero { background: linear-gradient(150deg, #111111 0%, #2a0000 60%, #F40909 100%) !important; padding: 3.5rem 3rem 2.8rem !important; 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}\n  \n  \u003c\/style\u003e\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"ssa-pd\"\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"hero\"\u003e\n    \u003cstyle\u003e.ssa-pd .hero::before{content:\"\u0026#128012;\";}\u003c\/style\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"hero-tag\"\u003eFreshwater Snails\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003ch1\u003eHairy Snail\u003c\/h1\u003e\n    \u003cp class=\"hero-sub\"\u003eA rare Philippine freshwater snail with long, brittle spikes protruding from the shell whorls in a spiral arrangement. One of the most visually distinctive snails available in the hobby -- an effective algae grazer and substrate aerator that cannot breed in freshwater.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"feature-pills\"\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"fpill\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"dot\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Long Brittle Spikes in Spiral Pattern\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"fpill\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"dot\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Yellowish to Dark Brown Shell\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"fpill\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"dot\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Thiara cancellata\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"fpill\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"dot\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Cannot Breed in Freshwater\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"fpill\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"dot\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e pH 7.0–8.0\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"fpill\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"dot\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Philippines Endemic\u003c\/span\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"body-wrap\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"prose\"\u003e\n\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHairy Snails\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eThiara cancellata\u003c\/em\u003e), also known as the Hairy Trumpet Snail or Porcupine Snail, are one of the rarest and most visually unusual freshwater snails in the aquarium hobby. The shell has up to six flattened whorls in yellowish to dark brown colouration, and each whorl bears a series of long, thin, brittle spikes that protrude outward in a spiral pattern along the shell length. These spikes give the snail an appearance unlike anything else commonly kept in freshwater -- a spiny, porcupine-like character that reads as immediately distinctive at close range. Endemic to the Philippines, they are found in slow-moving streams, river mouths, and estuaries with sandy substrates. They are nocturnal, spend part of the day partially buried in substrate, and are active algae grazers that rival Nerite Snails in cleaning thoroughness. Despite the common trade name \"Hairy Nerite,\" \u003cem\u003eThiara cancellata\u003c\/em\u003e is not a Nerite -- it belongs to the family Thiaridae. Cannot breed in freshwater. Safe with all \u003ca href=\"\/es\/collections\/neocaridina-shrimp-parent\" title=\"Neocaridina shrimp | colorful freshwater clean-up crew – superior shrimp \u0026amp; aquatics\" aria-label=\"Neocaridina shrimp | colorful freshwater clean-up crew – superior shrimp \u0026amp; aquatics\"\u003eNeocaridina\u003c\/a\u003e shrimp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n    \u003cspan class=\"section-label\"\u003eAppearance\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eShell, Spikes \u0026amp; Colour\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"bullet-list\"\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"bl-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLong brittle spikes protruding in a spiral pattern from each whorl -- the defining feature of the species.\u003c\/strong\u003e The spikes of \u003cem\u003eThiara cancellata\u003c\/em\u003e are thin, long, and brittle relative to the shell size. They break easily during normal activity and during handling or transit -- this is normal and causes no harm to the snail. New spikes do not regrow once broken, which means older wild-caught specimens often show reduced or partially broken spike coverage on the older whorls near the apex while retaining intact spikes on the newer growth near the aperture. The spikes are not a defence mechanism; they are simply a structural characteristic of the shell.\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"bl-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUp to six flattened whorls in yellowish to dark brown colouration.\u003c\/strong\u003e The shell whorls are relatively flat compared to other tower snails, with clearly distinguishable lines between each whorl. Shell colour ranges from pale yellowish-brown in lighter individuals to a richer dark brown in darker specimens. The body of the snail is typically slightly darker than the shell, and the tentacles are notably short compared to other freshwater snail species.\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"bl-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApproximately 1 to 1.2 inches at maturity.\u003c\/strong\u003e Hairy Snails reach approximately 2.5 to 3 cm (1 to 1.2 inches) at full size. In captivity lifespans typically reach 1 to 2 years, though up to 3 years is possible under optimal conditions. The primary cause of shortened captive lifespans is insufficient feeding rather than parameter issues.\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"bl-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot a Nerite snail despite the common trade name.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eThiara cancellata\u003c\/em\u003e is frequently sold as \"Hairy Nerite\" in the aquarium trade. It belongs to the family Thiaridae alongside Malaysian Trumpet Snails, not to the Neritidae. Its care, behaviour, and reproductive biology are distinct from true Nerites. The common name is a persistent trade misnomer.\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cspan class=\"section-label\"\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Care\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eFeeding, Burrowing \u0026amp; Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"bullet-list\"\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"bl-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMust be actively fed -- will starve if left to scavenge alone.\u003c\/strong\u003e This is the most critical care point for this species. A common mistake is treating Hairy Snails like other scavenging snails and assuming they will find enough to eat in a well-established tank. They will not. They must be regularly offered algae wafers, shrimp pellets, blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, cucumber, carrot), and fish flakes. Starvation is the primary cause of premature death in captivity. Feed every 1 to 2 days and ensure the snail is actually consuming the food offered.\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"bl-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExcellent algae grazer -- rivals Nerite Snails in cleaning effectiveness.\u003c\/strong\u003e When adequately fed and in a tank with natural algae growth, Hairy Snails are outstanding algae eaters, consuming soft film algae, green dust algae, hair algae, and biofilm from glass, hardscape, and plant surfaces. They are most active at dusk and through the night, spending the day either sheltering under hardscape or partially buried in substrate.\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"bl-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePartial substrate burrower -- buries the front half of the shell, leaving the rear half exposed.\u003c\/strong\u003e Hairy Snails do not fully burrow like Malaysian Trumpet Snails. They bury just deep enough to leave the back portion of the shell exposed above the substrate surface. This burrowing behaviour aerates the top substrate layer and prevents anaerobic gas pockets from forming, benefiting plant roots and overall water quality. Fine sand is required for this behaviour -- coarse gravel prevents natural burrowing.\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"bl-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNocturnal -- most active at dusk and through the night.\u003c\/strong\u003e The peak of activity begins at dusk and corresponds to maximum algae nutrient content at the end of the photosynthetic period. During daylight hours they are largely inactive, sheltering under hardscape or partially buried. New keepers often worry the snail is dead or ill when it is simply resting normally during the day.\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"bl-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCannot breed in freshwater -- population completely stable.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eThiara cancellata\u003c\/em\u003e requires brackish water to breed. All available specimens are wild-collected from the Philippines. In a freshwater aquarium no breeding will occur. The species is reported to be a livebearer producing approximately 1 to 2 juveniles per month under the right conditions, but captive breeding has not been established.\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"bl-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH 7.0 to 8.0, GH 3 to 18, KH 3 to 15, temperature 72 to 77°F.\u003c\/strong\u003e Alkaline, hard water is required for healthy shell maintenance. In acidic water the shell erodes and spike integrity declines. Standard Neocaridina parameters at the neutral to slightly alkaline end are suitable. Not appropriate for Caridina tanks running low pH and active substrate. Good water oxygenation and flow are important -- Hairy Snails come from stream environments and benefit from well-aerated water.\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"bl-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSafe with Neocaridina shrimp. Avoid Assassin Snails, crayfish, loaches, and cichlids.\u003c\/strong\u003e Hairy Snails are entirely peaceful and compatible with all \u003ca href=\"\/es\/collections\/neocaridina-shrimp-parent\" title=\"Neocaridina shrimp | colorful freshwater clean-up crew – superior shrimp \u0026amp; aquatics\" aria-label=\"Neocaridina shrimp | colorful freshwater clean-up crew – superior shrimp \u0026amp; aquatics\"\u003eNeocaridina\u003c\/a\u003e shrimp. Assassin Snails will prey on them. Loaches, cichlids, goldfish, and crayfish will damage or consume them. Keep only with peaceful tankmates.\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"bl-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHighly sensitive to copper -- avoid copper-based fertilisers and medications.\u003c\/strong\u003e Like all snails and invertebrates, \u003cem\u003eThiara cancellata\u003c\/em\u003e is fatally sensitive to copper. Check all fertilisers, medications, and water additives for copper content before using in a tank housing Hairy Snails.\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"tip-box\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"tip-label\"\u003eKeeper's Note\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Hairy Snail is one of those tank inhabitants that stops every visitor cold -- the spike structure is genuinely unusual enough that most people have never seen anything like it and want to know immediately what it is. A small group of three on fine dark sand in a well-planted Neocaridina tank gives the substrate level a visual interest that no other snail provides. The main commitment is feeding discipline: offer food every 1 to 2 days, confirm the snail is eating, and this species will reward you with active grazing and a long captive lifespan. Ignore feeding and it will decline quietly over a few weeks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003ca href=\"\/es\/collections\/freshwater-snails-parent\" class=\"cta-block\" title=\"Freshwater snails | algae-eating clean-up crew for your tank – superior shrimp \u0026amp; aquatics\" aria-label=\"Freshwater snails | algae-eating clean-up crew for your tank – superior shrimp \u0026amp; aquatics\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cta-icon\"\u003e🐌\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"cta-text\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBrowse more freshwater snails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eExplore our full snail selection. Browse our \u003cspan style=\"color:#F40909;font-weight:500;\"\u003eFreshwater Snails collection\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"color:rgba(255,255,255,0.4);font-size:1.4rem;\"\u003e→\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"policy-bar\"\u003e\n      \u003cspan\u003eBefore placing your order, please review our\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003ca href=\"\/es\/pages\/doa-policy\" title=\"Live arrival guarantee | superior shrimp \u0026amp; aquatics\" aria-label=\"Live arrival guarantee | superior shrimp \u0026amp; aquatics\"\u003eDOA Policy\u003c\/a\u003e\n      \u003ca href=\"\/es\/pages\/shipping-info-practices\" title=\"Shipping policies, info \u0026amp; practices – superior shrimp \u0026amp; aquatics\" aria-label=\"Shipping policies, info \u0026amp; practices – superior shrimp \u0026amp; aquatics\"\u003eShipping Info\u003c\/a\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/body\u003e","brand":"Superior Shrimp \u0026 Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45049470451920,"sku":null,"price":4.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0639\/2895\/9184\/files\/hairy-snail-thiara-cancellata-snails-placeholder-graphic-471.webp?v=1782340334","url":"https:\/\/www.superiorshrimpaquatics.com\/es\/products\/hairy-snail-thiara-cancellata","provider":"Superior Shrimp \u0026 Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}