HERCULES SNAIL WHITE (Filopaludina martensi) CARE GUIDE
Species Overview
| Trait | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Hercules Snail (White), White Wizard Snail |
| Scientific Name | Filopaludina martensi |
| Adult Size | 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) |
| Lifespan | 3–5 years (longer with stable care) |
| Behavior | Peaceful, algae grazer, slow-moving |
| Origin | Southeast Asia (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia) |
| Color | White or ivory shell (color morph) |
| Reproduction | Viviparous (live-bearing snail) |
Aquarium Setup
✅ Tank Size
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Minimum: 10 gallons per snail
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Larger tanks (20+ gallons) preferred for groups
✅ Water Parameters
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 75–82°F (24–28°C) |
| pH | 7.2–8.2 |
| Hardness (GH) | 150–300 ppm (medium–high) |
| Alkalinity (KH) | 80–200 ppm |
| Ammonia/Nitrite | 0 ppm |
| Nitrate | < 30 ppm |
Hard, alkaline water is critical for shell strength and long-term health.
Filtration & Substrate
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Use sponge filters or cover filter intakes to avoid injury
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Substrate: fine gravel or sand
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Optional: crushed coral or aragonite to boost calcium and pH
Diet & Feeding
These snails are omnivorous scavengers. They graze on algae but still need supplemental food.
✅ Good Foods:
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Algae wafers (Hikari, Omega One, Xtreme)
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Blanched vegetables:
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Zucchini, cucumber, spinach, green beans
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Repashy gel foods:
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“Soilent Green,” “Super Green,” “Bottom Scratcher”
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Calcium sources:
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Cuttlebone in tank
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Crushed coral
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Boiled, crushed eggshells (rinsed)
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Feed 2–3x per week, especially in algae-light tanks.
Water Care
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Weekly water changes: 25–40%
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Use dechlorinated water
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Avoid all copper-based medications
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Keep water oxygenated and well-circulated
Breeding Info
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Viviparous: they give birth to live, fully formed baby snails
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Breeding rate is slow and manageable
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No risk of overpopulation like ramshorns or bladder snails
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Baby snails hide in substrate and grow slowly
Compatible Tank Mates
| ✅ Safe With | ❌ Avoid With |
|---|---|
| Tetras, rasboras, guppies | Loaches (e.g., yoyo, clown) |
| Corydoras, otocinclus | Pufferfish (will bite) |
| Peaceful livebearers (platies) | Goldfish (may damage snails) |
| Shrimp (cherry, amano) | Aggressive cichlids |
Avoid fast or aggressive fish that may pick at soft body parts.
⚠️ Common Issues
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Shell erosion | Low calcium or pH | Add calcium sources, raise pH |
| Floating | Trapped gas or normal behavior | Allow time; reduce soft foods |
| Lethargy | Poor water quality or low heat | Check parameters; raise temp |
| Cracked shell | Falling or tank impact | Add soft substrate; calcium-rich diet |
✅ Quick Care Summary
| Need | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Tank Size | 10+ gallons |
| Temperature | 75–82°F |
| pH & Hardness | 7.2–8.2 pH / Medium–High GH |
| Food | Algae, veggies, calcium-rich |
| Breeding | Live-bearing, slow population |
| Lifespan | 3–5 years |
| Behavior | Peaceful, useful algae grazer |
Optional: Snail Gel Food (Snello) Recipe
Would you like a calcium-rich homemade snail food recipe or a printable store care sheet for Hercules Snails?
Let me know and I’ll prepare it for you!