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A mystery snail makes a lovely addition to any aquarium due to their unique behavior, color, and habits. Mystery snails do so many weird things!
One typical and strange behavior that most hobbyists need help understanding is why their mystery snail keeps coming out of the water.
So if you own some mystery snails in your aquarium and are wondering about the same, this article is for you. In this article, we will discuss the primary reasons why mystery snails try to escape from the tank.
Why Do Mystery Snails Keep Coming Out Of The Water?
There are several reasons why mystery snails keep coming out of the water, such as unfavorable water parameters, Inadequate food, Aggressive tankmates, Overcrowding, etc. Apart from these reasons, your mystery snail could be just curious to explore the outside environment; hence it keeps coming out of the water.
It is common for mystery snails to come out of the water every now and then, so don’t worry about it too much.
However, if you notice your mystery snail out of the water more often for prolonged durations, it’s probably because the snail is not happy with the water and is looking for new habitat.
Mystery snails have lungs; hence they can live outside the water for some time. So if your snail is out of the water, that doesn’t necessarily mean it will dry out or die; it is possible that it’s just breathing and will soon go back to the tank after some time.
Here are 6 main reasons why do mystery snails keep coming out of the water:
1. Water parameters
One of the primary reasons why your mystery snail is trying to escape is probably because of the water parameters. If the water in your tank is not suitable for the mystery snails, they will look for a way to get out.
Make sure to check the water parameters, such as temperature and water hardness. The ideal pH for a mystery snail is between 7.0 – 7.5, and the temperature should be 68 – 82 Degrees Fahrenheit.
If the water parameters are not ideal, it will cause stress to the snail, and they will try to escape the tank. So, if you notice your mystery snail out of the water, you should first check the water parameters.
2. Inadequate food
Another reason why your mystery snails are coming out of the water is probably that they are not getting enough food. Mystery snails are mostly herbivores and need a lot of vegetables and algae to eat.
Mystery snails are known to be opportunistic eaters and will consume just about anything they can find. It includes algae, plants, and even other small creatures in the tank.
If you find your mystery snail out of the water and on the glass of your tank, it’s because they are trying to escape in search of food. Mystery snails are known to be escape artists and will often try to climb out of the tank in search of new food sources. So this is why it’s important to have a well-sealed lid on your tank.
If you don’t provide enough food for the mystery snail, it will start to starve, look for other food sources, and come out of the water line. So, make sure to provide enough food for the snail.
If you want to learn what to feed your mystery snails, please read my previous guide.
3. Aggressive tankmates
If there is anything mystery snails hate the most, it is aggressive tankmates. If the mystery snail feels threatened by the other fish in the tank, it will try to escape.
Mystery snails are mostly peaceful and don’t want to be bothered by the other fish.
However, some fish are aggressive and can attack and even kill the snail. So, if you notice your mystery snail is coming out of the water, check if there are any aggressive fish in the tank.
4. Overcrowding
Overcrowding is another reason your mystery snail is coming out of the water. If too many fishes or even snails are in the tank, the mystery snails will start to feel anxiety and stress and will try to keep coming outside the water.
Moreover, the overpopulation of snails in the tank means food scarcity.
So, if you notice your mystery snail is coming out of the water, make sure to check that the aquarium is not overcrowded.
5. Poor tank conditions
Another reason your mystery snail is coming out of the water is the poor tank conditions. As mystery snails are freshwater snails, they need clean water; if the tank is not cleaned regularly, it will start to pollute the water, making it toxic for the mystery snails.
Higher levels of ammonia, nitrates, and nitrites can make the snails sick and can even kill them. It is, therefore, essential to keep levels of Ammonia and Nitrite at 0 ppm.
So, if you notice your mystery snail crawling out of the water too often, make sure to check the tank condition, clean the tank and change the water regularly.
You should also add calcium-enriched sand as a substrate, or you can also add cuttlebone as a source of calcium for the shell growth.
6. Curiosity
Another possible reason why your mystery snail is coming out of the water is curiosity. Mystery snails are known to be curious creatures and will explore their surroundings.
If the tank is new to the snail, it might explore the environment and will often come above the water line to see the other side of your room or wherever the tank is in your house.
How To Stop Mystery Snails from Crawling Out of the Tank?
To ensure your snail does not escape the tank, you must do these things –
- Make sure the water parameters are ideal for your snail – The first and foremost thing you want to do is make sure the water parameters are ideal for your snail. It includes temperature and hardness. If the water is not to the snail’s liking, they will try to come out of the water.
- Provide adequate food – Another important thing you need to do is make sure to provide adequate food for your snail. Mystery snails need a lot of food and algae to eat to thrive.
- Avoid aggressive tank mates – One of the most important things you can do is avoid aggressive tank mates. Make sure there is no one in the tank to threaten the snails.
- Keep population in check – One of the worst things you can do is overcrowd your snail. It will cause anxiety and stress in the snail, and it will try to escape the tank.
- Keep the tank clean – Another important thing to keep in mind is to keep the tank clean.
Conclusion
So that’s it for today’s article on Why Does My Mystery Snail Keep Coming Out Of The Water?
We hope you enjoyed reading and found this article helpful.
A quick summary, if your Mystery snail keeps coming out of the water, it is either due to the water conditions not being favorable, to a lack of food in the tank, or to the tank being overcrowded. The snail can also come out of water because he/she is curious to see the surrounding environment.
Remember these things the next time your mystery snail comes out of the water.