I have a tropical snail which was lively until a couple of days ago,?

Question

it now seems just to be sat on the bottom and not moving, i was wondering do they hybernate or is it just dead.

Answer 1

Invert like snails can be very sensitive of water conditions, even more so than many fish. Once you determine if it's still alive, do a good water change (include cleaning the gravel) and see if that doesn't help. Remember too that a very clean tank probably has little for the snail to eat, try feeding it a bit of lettuce or Zuccini at lights out time and remove any leftovers in the morning. Most of the fish will probably enjoy the treat as well.

Answer 2

snails will hibernate, which makes it really hard ot tell it they're dead. best ways are:

the smell test - gross, yes, but not as gross as the other way. if your snail smells rotten, it is most likely dead. put it in a coup of water and see if it moves for a day.

the pouring test - gross, but very effective. if you tip the snail so the opening is pointing down and the snail staying in firmly it's quite alive. if it feels lose and falls out a bit it's most likely dying. you can try putting it in a cup with some good greens or a cucumber, but it will most likely die. if you tip it and the snail pours out it is dead, very very dead.

pic of a dead snail that poured out of it's shell, do not look if you are squeamish: http://www.fishpondinfo.com/photos/mollusks/applesnails/snaily2.jpg

Answer 3

I've heard snails like beer are you sure he isn't hung over!