Our Guide To Keeping Cappuccino Devil Thorn Snails

1. About Species:

   • Scientific name: Faunus ater
   • Common name: Cappuccino Devil Thorn Snail
   • Family: Pachychilidae
   • Origin: Southeast Asia, commonly found in brackish and freshwater environments
   • Adult size: 4-6 cm
   • Lifespan: 3 to 5 years

2. Tank Setup:

   • Cappuccino Devil Thorn Snails prefer tanks with a sandy or fine gravel substrate, allowing them to burrow and move easily.
   • A minimum tank size of 20L is suitable, though larger tanks are preferred if housing multiple snails.
   • They appreciate a stable, low to moderate lighting environment with hard surfaces like rocks and driftwood for grazing.

3. Water Parameters:

   • These snails thrive in slightly alkaline water with a pH range of 7.5 to 8.5 to support shell health.
   • Maintain a water temperature between 22 to 28°C (72 to 82°F).
   • They can adapt to freshwater but also do well in low-salinity brackish water environments.

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • A gentle to moderate water flow is ideal, as it allows the snails to graze and explore without disruption.
   • High water quality is essential; they are sensitive to ammonia and nitrate levels.

5. Diet:

   • Cappuccino Devil Thorn Snails are omnivores, primarily feeding on detritus, biofilm, and algae within the aquarium.
   • Supplement their diet with algae wafers, sinking pellets, and blanched vegetables like zucchini and cucumber for balanced nutrition.

6. Tank mates:

   • These snails are peaceful and can coexist with non-aggressive tank mates, including small fish, shrimp, and other snails.
   • Avoid housing them with aggressive or snail-eating fish like certain loaches and pufferfish.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • Cappuccino Devil Thorn Snails are calm and spend most of their time burrowing or grazing on tank surfaces, contributing to a clean environment.
   • They reproduce slowly and typically do not breed in standard freshwater aquariums, so overpopulation is not a concern.