Mystery snails live in freshwater habitats that are loaded with carpets of algae. The algae provide both food and camouflage from potential predators that may prey on the snails and also assist as a breeding ground for them to lay their eggs. However, there’s been a lot of confusion about whether mystery snails eat algae or not, which surely adds to their mystery!
Mystery snails eat algae and they benefit heavily from the nutrients that the plant provides. Both in captivity and free-roaming, the snails can sustain their nutrient load by grazing on the rich algae in their habitat. Regardless, they do not rely consistently on algae to survive. In some cases, the snails may seek algae as a last resort.
The 4 Realistic Reasons Why Mystery Snails Eat Algae
Algae is one of the most important and abundant foods in freshwater habitats. Yet, mystery snails don’t necessarily rely solely on them. Instead, they eat the algae for these reasons:
1. They’re Bored
Mystery snails are often active and may nibble on various objects that they find interesting or tasty. If they haven’t had enough food to satisfy their hunger but have had enough energy to move around, they may explore and eat algae if it’s available.
2. It’s Delicious, Sometimes
Algae is conveniently tasty for snails that inhabit freshwater environments. Mystery snails have evolved to enjoy algae as an option in their diet, so they will eat it as a snack when the need arises or when they come across it easily. Whether they enjoy it or not would depend on the individual snail or the type of algae available.
3. It’s Nutritious
Algae contains valuable nutrients that are beneficial to mystery snails. For example, brown algae is a good source of mucopolysaccharides, which assist in the production of slime. Mystery snails need this slime to protect their delicate bodies and enable flexibility.
4. Algae Aids In Digestion
Algae is a good source of fiber, which helps with bowel movement, especially for mystery snails that produce a lot of waste. Without fiber, mystery snails can become constipated, which is dangerous to their well-being. Then you’d be welcomed with the long stringy poop, long enough to wrap around even your snail! If this goes on, it can negatively affect its health causing it to pass away
Reasons Why Your Mystery Snails Are Bad At Algae-Eating
It must be pretty confusing to have your mystery snails refusing to eat algae. After all, experts have said that mystery snails are good algae devourers, so what’s the problem? Here are the answers:
They’re Overfed
If your mystery snails are provided with more delicious food options, they will not actively seek out algae. They primarily consume algae when other food sources are limited or when they are looking for a different texture of food.
They Are Starved
Ironically, when mystery snails are starving, they lack the energy to move around and consume growing algae. They tend to become sluggish and unresponsive. Therefore, the more satisfied they are with their diet, the more active they can be in searching for and consuming algae.
The “Algae” Is Toxic
It’s important to be aware of the presence of blue-green algae or Cyanobacteria, which can be toxic to snails, especially when they bloom. They’re slimy carpets of algae-looking films covering the surfaces of objects like gravel and decorative objects in the tank. Mystery snails typically recognize the danger and avoid eating them.
If you’re unsure about identifying and distinguishing cyanobacteria from algae, I suggest you clean the tank frequently to reduce the growth of any plant-like matter until you’re sure of how to differentiate them. Adding nitrifying bacteria to the tank also helps to regulate the growth of Cyanobacteria.
Taste Preferences
Mystery snails can exhibit unique eating patterns, and if your snail shows a particular distaste for algae, it will tend to avoid it as much as possible. It could simply be that your snail is not fond of algae.
Poor Water Condition
Maintaining a clean habitat is necessary for the well-being of your snails. Mystery snails are known for their high waste production, which requires frequent tank cleaning and water replacement. If they are uncomfortable in their environment, consuming algae can become burdensome for them. Mystery snails are sensitive to their habitat, and even slight disturbances can lead to stress, affecting their overall behavior and feeding habits.
It’s Not The Best Type Of Algae
Mystery snails do not consume brown algae as much as green algae. This preference could be due to personal taste or the structural characteristics of the plants. Snails are particular about texture, and a different type of algae may deter them from eating it. Green algae, not cyanobacteria, is generally considered the preferred type of algae for mystery snails.
What Do Mystery Snails Prefer To Eat? 4 Healthier Options
Mystery snails enjoy variety and require a balanced diet to survive. They need a source of minerals, vitamins, and protein. Here are some good examples of what mystery snails eat:
- Vegetables. Mystery snails are vegetable lovers and gladly consume delicious strips of carrots, celery, zucchini, and spinach.
- Fish. Protein is essential for mystery snails as they require amino acids for healthy growth. They can eat sardines or even consume their co-habitants if they come across them dead.
- Meat. Mystery snails can consume chicken or beef as long as it’s easily edible and free from spices. Spices and preservatives are harmful to their delicate bodies.
- Snello. Snello is a highly nutritious and delicious treat for mystery snails. It’s easy to make, affordable, and convenient when feeding your slimy little pets.
How To Clean The Excess Algae From Your Mystery Snail’s Tank
If you notice that the algae in your tank has gotten out of control, it’s best to tackle it immediately before it disrupts your snail’s health. Algae grow pretty fast, and waiting around for your mystery snails — the supposed tank cleaners — to handle it is a waste of time. Here’s what to do:
- Start by using an algae scraper or sponge to gently scrub the walls of the tank. Make sure to be careful and avoid disturbing your snail or any other tank inhabitants.
- If the algae is stubborn and won’t come off easily, after emptying the tank, you can try using a diluted bleach solution. Mix one part bleach with nine parts water and use a clean sponge or cloth to scrub the affected areas. Ensure that the tank is properly rinsed with clean water to prevent your pets from ingesting any bleach.
- Consider adding Nerite snails into the tank. They love algae and are better algae eaters compared to Mystery snails.
- Another option is introducing a small group of live plants to the aquarium. These plants can compete with the algae for nutrients, which can help reduce their growth.
- Keep an eye on the lighting in your tank. Algae thrive in bright light, so consider adjusting the lighting schedule or using a lower-intensity bulb to discourage algae growth.
- Regularly clean the aquarium, remove any debris, and perform water changes to maintain a clean and balanced environment. This will help prevent excessive algae growth.
How Do Mystery Snails Eat Algae?
Mystery snails utilize their rasping radula to scrape algae off surfaces. When they move around, they move it across the tank walls in a back-and-forth motion to effectively remove the algae. If you observe your snail closely when it lingers near a patch of algae, you will witness this action happening in real-time. Quite interesting to see!
Does The Type Of Algae Matter To Mystery Snails?
The type of algae does matter for mystery snails. While they can consume various types of algae, their preferences play a role in determining whether they will eat it or not. The common types of algae that mystery snails are known to eat include green spot algae and hair algae. However, it ultimately depends on the individual snail’s preferences. It is essential to provide a healthy diet for your pet, including algae and other nutritious items, to ensure they live long and healthy lives.
