Freshwater snail?

Question

I've had a freshwater snail, not sure the exact name, the shell is a pale yellow. It's in a 10 Gallon Tank with a few other fish, had it for about 3 years. Noticed over the past couple of days, it just lays on the bottom of the tank, it can go on the glass, but then it falls down, it's not all the way closed, but it's not active like it was. When it's on the bottom, it tends to lean to one side, almost like it can't move itself back to normal position.
The shell is a little damaged in a few spots from falling, actually heard it hit the rocks one day-OUCH!
What might be happening to it? Is is possible that it's dying?
Thanks to anyone who can help me, I appreciate it.

Answer 1

It's possible. The snail you have sounds like an apple snail, and although they can live up to 10 years in cool water, if you're keeping it in a tropical tank (temps 76o+), they usually live for 2-3.

It's also possible that the pH was too low or that there wasn't enough calcium in the water, but if it's been in the same water for around 2-3 years, it would seem you would have noticed some effects (pitted shell, inactivity) before this.

You may want to check this website to see if yours is an apple snail for certain, and you might find other suggestions on what's causing the behavior you're seeing: http://www.applesnail.net/

Answer 2

I'm thinking you shouldn't buy an algae eaters at that store anymore. Obviously they are sick and that's why the other fish killed them. Fish have a way of killing off the sick ones, so they don't get ill. Fascinating I know. But If your stores around you don't sell snails, the next time you go to a lake, try to find some up close or out deep if you are swimming. They do their job just the same. Or the next time you go on vacation look around the local pet shops there. Snails are easy to transport just fill a bag or bowl with water and seal it. But don't let it get tossed around too much!