White Giant Tower Cap Snail – White Herculean Snail – Brotia Herculea

The White Giant Tower Cap Snail, also known as the White Herculean Snail or Brotia Herculea, is a captivating and low-maintenance addition to any aquarium. With its striking appearance, peaceful nature, and beneficial role in maintaining a clean ecosystem, this snail is sure to enhance the beauty and balance of your aquatic environment.

Scientific and Common Names:
– Scientific Name: Brotia Herculea
– Common Names: White Giant Tower Cap Snail, White Herculean Snail

Habitat:
– Native to freshwater rivers and streams in Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand and Malaysia.
– Found in areas with slow-moving or stagnant water, often in muddy or sandy substrates.

Tank Setup:
– Requires a well-established aquarium with a minimum capacity of 10 gallons.
– Provide a substrate of sand or fine gravel to mimic their natural habitat.
– Decorate the tank with rocks, driftwood, and live plants to create hiding spots and grazing areas.
– Ensure the tank has a tight-fitting lid to prevent escape.

Diet and Nutrition:
– White Giant Tower Cap Snails are herbivores and primarily feed on algae and biofilm.
– Supplement their diet with high-quality sinking pellets or algae wafers.
– Provide blanched vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, or lettuce as occasional treats.

Size and Growth Rate:
– These snails have a moderate growth rate and can reach a size of up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter.
– Juvenile snails are typically smaller and will grow over time.

Behavioral Traits:
– White Giant Tower Cap Snails are peaceful and non-aggressive, making them suitable for community aquariums.
– They are primarily nocturnal and will be more active during the night.
– These snails are excellent algae grazers and will help keep your tank clean.

Care Level:
– Considered to be a beginner-friendly species due to their low maintenance requirements.
– Regular water parameter checks and basic aquarium maintenance are necessary to ensure their well-being.

Breeding and Reproduction:
– White Giant Tower Cap Snails are known to reproduce in freshwater aquariums.
– They are live-bearers, meaning the females give birth to fully-formed miniature snails.
– Provide plenty of hiding spots and vegetation for the newborn snails to find shelter.

Health and Disease Prevention:
– These snails are generally hardy and resistant to most diseases.
– Maintain good water quality, perform regular water changes, and avoid overfeeding to prevent health issues.
– Quarantine new additions to the tank to prevent the introduction of potential diseases.

Optimal Water Conditions:
– Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
– pH: 6.5-8.0
– Hardness: 5-15 dGH
– Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate levels should be kept at zero or very low.

Lifespan:
– With proper care, White Giant Tower Cap Snails can live for 2-3 years.

Additional Interesting Facts:
– The White Giant Tower Cap Snail gets its name from the tall, tower-like shell it possesses.
– These snails are known for their ability to consume large amounts of algae, helping to maintain a clean and balanced aquarium.
– They have a unique reproductive strategy, with females giving birth to live young instead of laying eggs.
– White Giant Tower Cap Snails are peaceful and can coexist with a variety of fish species, making them a popular choice for community tanks.