Hairy Trumpet Snail

Thiara cancellata, also known as the Hairy Trumpet Snail or the Hairy Snail, is a crepuscular or nocturnal freshwater snail from Asia that lives in the substrate and constantly plows through it for food. Thanks to the snail, the substrate gets well ventilated and also freed from organic waste, which is why digging trumpet snails are considered the “earthworms of the aquarium”. The yellow to light brown, squat shell of this pretty snail is about 3 cm long. The eponymous “hairs” placed on the rear part of the shell are black and give the Hairy Trumpet Snail a unique appearance.

Care in the aquarium

The easy-to-care for and robust Hairy Trumpet Snail can be kept in aquariums of 20 liters or more. If the water values ​​are poor – for example due to an increase in nitrite – it begins to creep up the panes of the aquarium and is therefore a very good indicator of problems in the tank. Due to its peaceful nature and its useful properties as a water indicator and natural scarifier, which prevents harmful gases from forming in the substrate and supplies the soil with nutrients for the plants, the Hairy Trumpet Snail can be put without hesitation in plant aquariums. As with most species of snails, medium to hard water is ideal, as the shell can be damaged if the water is too soft. It also prefers a substrate that is not too coarse, such as sand, soil or fine gravel, through which it can easily dig. The current in the aquarium should not be too strong or there should be areas with little current.

Feeding

The Hairy Trumpet Snail is a classic leftover recycler and feeds on biofilm and algae growth as well as detritus (dead plant material, carrion, leftover food). In the aquarium it can be fed a wide variety of commercial (snail) food, green food and leaves, but it usually finds enough food in the substrate.

Sexual characteristics and breeding