The Black Devil Rabbit Snail (often referred to simply as the Black Devil Snail or Faunus ater) is a striking, hardy freshwater snail known for its elongated, jet-black conical shell. While it is frequently mislabelled or grouped with "Rabbit Snails" (Tylomelania species) due to their similar shell shapes, they are not closely related and cannot interbreed.
Key Characteristics
Appearance: Features a smooth, tapered shell that can reach up to 9 cm (3.5 inches) in length. The shell color ranges from chocolate brown to deep obsidian black.
Behavior: Highly active compared to other snails, they are known for "zooming" around the tank. They are burrowers that spend significant time in the substrate, which helps prevent toxic gas pockets.
Breeding: They will not overpopulate a typical home aquarium because they require brackish or saltwater to successfully reproduce.
Diet: Omnivorous scavengers that consume algae, detritus, and leftover fish food. While generally plant-safe, they may nibble on soft-leaved plants if they are not well-fed.
Care Requirements
To keep these snails healthy, provide a stable environment with the following parameters:
Parameter Recommended Range
Tank Size Minimum 38 litres (10 gallons)
Temperature 22°C – 28°C (71°F – 82°F)
pH Level 7.0 – 8.5 (Hard, alkaline water is best for shell health)
Substrate Sand or fine gravel to allow for natural burrowing behavior
Pro Tip: These snails have delicate antennae. Avoid keeping them with nippy fish (like certain tetras or barbs) or aggressive predators like crayfish and crabs.
SKU: RBM
