Pimpled Lace Snail (Melanoides granifera)

23 October 2026

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The pimpled lace snail, Melanoides granifera, is a burrowing freshwater snail from the family Thiaridae. It spends much of its time in substrate, emerging to graze on biofilm, detritus and leftover food. Its ridged, patterned shell adds interest to planted aquariums, while its live-bearing reproduction can gradually increase its numbers. It is generally peaceful and plant-safe when adequately fed, but should be kept under observation because identification and appearance can vary among imported aquarium stock.

Taxonomy and identification

Melanoides granifera is a freshwater gastropod in the family Thiaridae. It has an elongated, conical shell with pronounced ridges or nodules and contrasting brown markings. Aquarium specimens may be confused with other thiarid snails, especially Melanoides tuberculata, so identification from a photograph alone is not always certain. The supplied identification is treated as probable rather than definitive.

Natural habitat

The species is associated with tropical and subtropical freshwater habitats, including quiet waters, shallow margins and areas with soft sediment. It is adapted to burrowing, where it can remain concealed during the day and help aerate the upper substrate. Provide fine or moderately small, smooth substrate, stable water quality and shaded refuges such as wood, rocks or dense plant growth.

Aquarium water and setup

Maintain mature, well-filtered water with low ammonia and nitrite and moderate nitrate. Neutral to moderately alkaline water supports shell maintenance, and adequate calcium and general hardness help reduce shell erosion. Avoid abrupt changes in temperature, pH or hardness. A covered aquarium is useful because snails may climb above the waterline, particularly when water quality deteriorates.

Feeding

Pimpled lace snails graze on algae films, microorganisms, biofilm, detritus and uneaten fish food. In an established aquarium they often find much of their diet naturally, but a growing population may need supplementary foods such as algae wafers, sinking herbivore pellets or blanched vegetables. Remove uneaten additions promptly so feeding does not drive excessive population growth or water pollution.

Plant safety

This species is generally considered safe for healthy aquarium plants. It primarily scrapes surfaces and consumes organic material rather than actively cutting intact leaves. It may feed on soft, damaged or decaying plant tissue, and large numbers can disturb newly planted stems while burrowing. Persistent damage is more likely to indicate another snail species, plant deterioration or inadequate food than normal feeding by Melanoides granifera.

Reproduction and young

Melanoides granifera is commonly reported to reproduce without a male through parthenogenetic, live-bearing reproduction. Females release living young rather than laying conspicuous egg clutches on aquarium surfaces. Reproduction is influenced by food availability, temperature and general condition, and population increase may be gradual but persistent. Newly introduced specimens can therefore establish a population even when only a few snails are purchased.

Population control

Control numbers by feeding fish and snails sparingly, removing excess food, and manually collecting visible adults and juveniles. A baited snail trap can help reduce numbers without adding medication. Vacuuming accessible substrate during water changes removes detritus and some hidden snails, but avoid stripping the entire biological community at once. Do not use copper-based treatments in a display containing invertebrates, and never release aquarium snails into natural waterways.

Snail info

Temperature : 22–30 °C
pH: 7.0–8.5

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