Our Guide To Keeping Chopstick Snail

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Stenomelania torulosa
   • Common name: Chopstick Snail
   • Family: Thiaridae
   • Origin: Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia
   • Adult length: 5 to 7 cm
   • Lifespan: Up to 3 years

2. Tank Setup:

   • Chopstick Snails prefer a tank with a sandy or fine gravel substrate, which allows them to burrow and search for food.
   • Provide plenty of hiding spots with rocks, driftwood, and dense vegetation. Plants such as Java Moss and Anubias are suitable.
   • A minimum tank size of 20L is recommended for a small group of these snails.

3. Water Parameters:

   • Chopstick Snails thrive in slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5.
   • Keep the water temperature between 22 to 28°C (72 to 82°F).
   • These snails prefer a hardness level of 5 to 15 dGH.

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • A gentle water flow is ideal for Chopstick Snails, so choose a filter that provides a slow to moderate flow.

5. Diet:

   • Chopstick Snails are omnivores and scavengers, feeding on algae, detritus, and uneaten fish food. Provide them with a balanced diet that includes algae wafers, sinking pellets, and blanched vegetables such as zucchini or spinach.
   • Supplement their diet with occasional protein sources like bloodworms or shrimp pellets.

6. Tank mates:

   • Chopstick Snails are peaceful and can be kept with other non-aggressive tank mates such as small community fish, shrimp, and other snails.
   • Avoid housing them with large or aggressive fish that may harm them.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • Chopstick Snails are generally active and spend a lot of time grazing on surfaces in the tank. They are also known to burrow into the substrate.
   • They are best kept in groups of three or more to encourage natural behaviors.
   • These snails are also known for their ability to reproduce quickly, so monitor their population in the tank to prevent overpopulation.