Yoda Snail - Lymnaea Stagnalis

Description

The Yoda snail ( Lymnaea stagnalis ) is a fascinating and unusual freshwater snail whose characteristic body shape and distinctive “ears” are reminiscent of the Jedi Master Yoda hence its name. It is one of the largest native snail species and impresses with its robust nature , active behavior , and important role in the aquarium ecosystem . It is a particularly exciting and useful inhabitant for enthusiasts of unusual and rare snails.

Characteristics

• Size: Adult animals reach a shell size of about 57 cm and are therefore among the largest freshwater snails in aquariums.

• Coloration: The Yoda snail has a light brown to beige, elongated shell that is spirally wound. Its body is usually gray to olive-colored , and its striking, laterally projecting tentacles give it a distinctive appearance.

• Behavior: They are peaceful, active, and very efficient at foraging. Yoda snails scour the aquarium in search of algae, biofilms, dead plant matter, and leftover food, thus actively contributing to cleanliness and biological balance.

attitude

• Aquarium size: An aquarium of 40 liters or more is sufficient. It should be well-structured and planted, with plenty of surfaces on which algae and biofilms can form.

• Water parameters: The Yoda snail thrives at temperatures between 18 and 26 C and a pH value of 6.58.0 . Good water quality and stable conditions are important for its health and a long lifespan.

• Diet: It feeds mainly on algae, dead plant material, biofilms, and leftover food . It can also be given vegetables (e.g., zucchini, cucumber, spinach) or special snail food.

Reproduction

Lymnaea stagnalis breeds easily in aquariums. It lays small clutches of gelatinous eggs on plants or decorations, from which young snails hatch after a short time. Controlling the amount of food helps to prevent excessive reproduction.

Special features

The Yoda snail is not only a highlight because of its extraordinary appearance, but also a very useful helper in the aquarium. It keeps surfaces clean , reduces algae growth , and consumes plant debris , thus actively contributing to the stability of the aquarium. Due to its size and interesting behavior, it is also excellent to observe and ideally suited for natural and community aquariums.

With its distinctive appearance, robust nature and important ecological role, it is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to add a special and functional inhabitant to their aquarium.