🐌 Faunus Snail Care Guide
Charming, jet-black cleaners with a twist!
🔹 Overview
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Scientific Name: Faunus ater
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Common Names: Faunus Snail, Lava Snail, Black Devil Snail
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Size: 2–3.5 inches (5–9 cm)
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Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
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Temperament: Peaceful
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Tank Size: 10 gallons or larger
💡 With sleek black shells and gentle behavior, Faunus snails are excellent for planted or shrimp tanks.
💧 Water Parameters
| Parameter |
Ideal Range |
| Temperature |
72–80°F (22–27°C) |
| pH |
7.0–8.2 |
| GH (Hardness) |
8–18 dGH |
| KH |
4–10 dKH |
| TDS |
150–300 ppm |
✅ Prefers hard, alkaline water to maintain strong shell growth.
✅ Cannot survive in soft, acidic, or unstable conditions.
🏡 Tank Setup
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Substrate: Sand or smooth gravel
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Decor: Driftwood, rocks, plants (won’t eat them)
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Filtration: Moderate to strong — needs clean water
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Behavior: Burrows and grazes; mostly active at night
🌿 Ideal for planted tanks and aquascapes — helps clean detritus without damaging décor.
🍽️ Diet
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Algae and biofilm
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Sinking pellets and algae wafers
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Blanched veggies (zucchini, spinach)
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Calcium-rich foods to support shell health
⚠️ Needs extra calcium in the water or diet to prevent shell erosion.
🧬 Breeding
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Type: Brackish breeders (need saltwater to reproduce)
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In Freshwater: Will not reproduce — great for population control
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Eggs: May be laid, but won’t hatch in freshwater
🍼 Perfect if you love snails but don’t want accidental overbreeding.
✔️ Compatible Tankmates
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Shrimp (Caridina, Neocaridina)
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Peaceful nano fish (guppies, rasboras, endlers)
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Other non-aggressive snails (Mystery, Nerite, Ramshorn)
🚫 Avoid loaches, puffers, and crayfish — they may nip or kill snails.
🧼 Care Tips
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Weekly 10–20% water changes
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Monitor shells for chips or whitening — a sign of calcium deficiency
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Rinse algae wafers before feeding to avoid clouding the tank
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Keep lids closed — they may explore above the waterline!
❤️ Why You'll Love Faunus Snails
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Unique black shells and sleek conical shape
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Excellent tank cleaners with no risk of overbreeding
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Hardy and beginner-friendly
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Adds a dramatic, elegant touch to freshwater setups
