snails

[i_luv_dory]

um, how do i know if a snail is dying?

one of them closed up a couple days ago, i moved it to the side of the aquarium, perched on the sand but sitting sideways so i can see if he opens at all. sofar, nothing has changed.

i put part of an aglae sheet in there but none of my snails seems to want it.

i'm completely new to this so i have many many questions. I guess we all were beginners at one time, right?

thanks for any help that you can give.

 

[atwinparadox2]

what kind of snails are they? Do you have pictures so we can see exactly what is wrong. It sounds like it can be dying but you never know. I have had snails sit in one position for days then take off like nothing happened. Most of the time if I have a dying snail you can see the tissue rotting away or recessing back into the shell. Hope this helps. Welcome to the hobby!

 

[cloak]

Take the snail out of the water and give it a good whiff. You'll know if it's dead. Should be able to smell that stench as soon as it's exposed.

 

[i_luv_dory]

here are a few pictures, the water isnt the greatest looking because i just moved around some sand.

the first two are pictures of the snail i am wondering about.

the 3rd pictures is of another one that has been hanging out on the rock for the same length of time. but he hasnt fallen off so i am hoping thats a good thing.

the last picture is of the largest snail who like to hang out by the powerhead. he moves mostly when the moon lights are on.

 

[racrumrine]

The smell test is a good way to confirm.

If you have bristle worms, they always go on alert when something dies. You'll see them poke their bodies out all over the place.

I would leave it alone. If it dies, scavengers will eat it. It's too small to foul your tank.

Best of luck,

Roy

 

[i_luv_dory]

all that i have is a blue spotted watchman goby and a cleaner shrimp. will they eat the snail if it dies?

 

[racrumrine]

As a scavenger, the cleaner shrimp will eat it.

Best of luck,

Roy