Ivory Snail Disposition & Behavior

An Ivory Snail is calm, peaceful and non-aggressive by nature. It has no means to attack its tank mates and has only its shell and operculum to defend itself from predators. An Ivory Snail can be very active during lighted times, effortlessly moving throughout the tank in search of food or a safe place to rest. An Ivory Snail can also very active at night. There have been many times when I spotted an Ivory Snail energetically exploring the tank in darkness. An Ivory Snail’s nighttime behavior is pretty interesting to watch.

For as active as Ivory Snails can be, they can be equally inactive. Its not unusual for Ivory Snails to appear dormant and motionless for long stretches of time. When in inactive mode, an Ivory Snail may like to hide near plants, under rocks, under Marimo Moss Balls, or behind power filter intakes. Its also not uncommon for an Ivory Snail float in water with its operculum closed for periods of time as well.

Ivory Snail Care: Snail Size & Tank Size

Fortunately, Ivory Snail care is relatively easy. Because Ivory Snail care is straight forward, its good snail for beginners. Ivory Snails can be an escape artist, so keep the tank properly covered to help ensure that the snail will not get out of the aquarium. Ivory Snails that have escaped from the tank can get injured quickly, dry out and die. So be sure to conduct a periodic head count to make sure all snails are present and accounted for.

A snail care issue that is sometimes overlooked is how the snail is added to a tank. Gently place the snail in a tank right side up. If Ivory Snails are simply poured from a plastic bag into the tank and lands upside down, it may have trouble righting itself and could die.

Ivory Snail Size

Healthy Ivory Snails can be about 1 – 2 inches in diameter when purchased from the store, with most being about the size of a quarter around. With a the right tank conditions and a little bit of luck, an Ivory Snail can grow a larger over time. Growth will be slow but steady as long as water conditions are right and Calcium rich foods are readily available.

Tank Size & Water Considerations

As with other snails, good Ivory Snail care starts with tank size and water conditions. Often, a beginning hobbyist may decide to “add a few snails” thinking that because they are small everything will be alright. Or they may think that because snails are thought of as “aquarium cleaners” they wont really add to the mess. Or they may think that because snails are not fish, they won’t tax the bio-load of the tank. Keep in mind that an Ivory Snail is just like any other tank inhabitant. They feed from their habitat and they produce waste into it. So an Ivory Snail needs to be in tank with sufficient size and water volume to support their life.

That said, an Ivory Snail can do well in small established tanks like a 10 gallon tank or in larger established tanks as well. Either way, make sure the rules against overstocking are followed. Keep Ammonia and Nitrite levels at 0 ppm, and make sure Nitrate levels are kept in check with regular partial water changes. Be very careful with tank medications and treatments, and avoid copper as this can be harmful or fatal.

Aquarium pH: 7.2 – 7.5, with some suggesting lower pH acceptable.
Water Temperature: 68 – 82 Degrees Fahrenheit.
Hardness & Minerals: On the hard side, with calcium supplements.
Lighting: Normal community fish tank lighting.