Malaysian Trumpet Snail – The Substrate-Stirring Soil Soldier 🐌🎺

Scientific Name: Melanoides tuberculata
Category: Freshwater Snails

🎺 The Quiet Workhorse of the Aquarium

Meet the Malaysian Trumpet Snail (Melanoides tuberculata), your aquarium’s tiny, spiral-shelled custodian. Known for its cone-shaped shell and nocturnal habits, this little digger spends its days hidden in the substrate, then emerges at night to clean up leftover food, algae, and detritus—keeping your tank tidy while also aerating the substrate naturally.

Unlike many other snails, MTS are livebearers, giving birth to tiny, fully-formed baby snails instead of laying egg clutches, making them an excellent option for those who dislike seeing egg clusters on decor. Their population grows in proportion to available food, so a balanced tank means a balanced snail colony.

🔍 What to Expect:

• Shell Shape: Long, tapered cone with subtle ridges

• Color: Brown to tan, sometimes spotted or banded

• Size: Up to 1 inch (2.5 cm)

• Behavior: Burrowing scavenger, mostly nocturnal

• Lifespan: 1–2 years

• Reproduction: Livebearing (no egg clusters!)

💧 Care & Conditions:

• Temp: 70–82°F (21–28°C)

• pH: 7.0–8.0

• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel preferred for burrowing

• Diet: Algae, detritus, uneaten food—true cleanup crew

• Tank Size: Works in anything from nano tanks to large aquascapes

✅ Why You’ll Love Them:

• Natural substrate aerators—prevent anaerobic gas pockets

• Peaceful, plant-safe, and shrimp-safe

• Livebearers = no egg clutches on glass or décor

• Great indicators of water quality (if their population spikes, you may be overfeeding)

• Hardy and self-sustaining—perfect for low-maintenance setups

🎁 Bonus Tip:

Add a few to planted tanks with deep substrates—their constant burrowing promotes root health and helps nutrients circulate, making your plants happier and stronger. 🌱🐌