Indian Malayan Louver Snail (Melanoides tuberculata)

07 October 2026

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Melanoides tuberculata is a small, conical freshwater snail commonly known in aquaria as the Malaysian trumpet snail. It spends much of the day burrowing through substrate and becomes more active after dark. This adaptable species consumes biofilm, algae, detritus and uneaten food, while generally leaving healthy plants alone. Its live-bearing reproduction can produce a large population when food is abundant. The name supplied for this article is retained, although common names vary and aquarium specimens may be confused with related thiarid snails.

Indian Malayan Louver Snail (Melanoides tuberculata)

Taxonomy and identification

Melanoides tuberculata is a freshwater gastropod in the family Thiaridae. It has an elongated, pointed, many-whorled shell, usually with a relatively broad body whorl and darker markings or bands. The shell may be tan, cream, brown or nearly black. Exact identification from photographs alone can be uncertain because related thiarid snails have similar shapes; reliable identification may require shell and anatomical comparison.

Natural habitat

This species occurs in tropical and subtropical freshwater habitats, including ponds, canals, streams, lakes and disturbed waters. It tolerates varied conditions and often lives in soft mud or sand, where it burrows during daylight. In aquaria it commonly settles into the substrate and emerges at night or when oxygen levels, food availability or other conditions change.

Aquarium conditions

Provide stable, well-oxygenated freshwater with a soft to moderately firm substrate that permits burrowing. A temperature around 20–30 °C and pH of 7.0–8.5 are suitable general ranges. Moderate hardness and an available calcium supply help maintain the shell. Avoid sudden changes, prolonged acidic conditions and copper-based medications, which can harm or kill snails.

Feeding

Melanoides tuberculata grazes on biofilm, soft algae and microorganisms and also consumes detritus and uneaten fish food. In a mature aquarium it may obtain much of its diet naturally, but a large population indicates plentiful food rather than a special cleaning benefit. Offer only small amounts of sinking food when necessary, such as algae-based wafers or other suitable invertebrate foods, and remove excess food.

Plant safety

Healthy, established aquatic plants are generally safe with this snail. It grazes surfaces and may climb through foliage without deliberately eating sound leaves. Burrowing can loosen newly planted stems or disturb shallow roots, especially in light substrates. Protect delicate new plantings and avoid treating plants or aquariums with products containing copper.

Reproduction and life cycle

This is a live-bearing snail. Females brood developing young and release miniature snails rather than laying conspicuous gelatinous egg masses. Reproduction may occur without a male in many aquarium populations, and a small number introduced with plants, decor or livestock can eventually establish a colony. Warm conditions and abundant food can accelerate population growth.

Population control

Control begins with reducing excess food, cleaning uneaten material and avoiding overfeeding. Regularly remove visible snails by hand or use a baited snail trap, checking it frequently. Vacuuming substrate during maintenance can remove juveniles and adults, but do so carefully around rooted plants and beneficial microbes. Inspect new plants and equipment before introduction. Do not use chemical snail killers in a stocked aquarium without considering risks to shrimp, fish, filtration bacteria and other invertebrates.

Snail info

Temperature : 20–30 °C
pH: 7.0–8.5

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