Tylomelania sp. "Yellow" (Yellow Rabbit Snail)

08 April 2026

721

Meet the Yellow Rabbit Snail, a captivating freshwater species from the ancient lakes of Sulawesi. With its striking, wrinkled yellow body and elongated, textured shell, this peaceful giant adds a touch of prehistoric charm to any aquarium. They are fascinating detritivores, perfect for dedicated aquarists seeking unique invertebrate life.

Overview

The Tylomelania sp. "Yellow", commonly known in the hobby as the Yellow Rabbit Snail or "Gelbe Perlhuhnschnecke", is a highly sought-after freshwater snail. Known for its distinct, rabbit-like face and peaceful demeanor, it makes a fantastic centerpiece invertebrate for specialized warm-water aquariums.

Image of gelbe perlhuhnschnecke tylomelania sp. yellow

Distribution and Habitat

These unique snails are endemic to the ancient, warm-water lakes of Sulawesi, Indonesia, particularly the Malili lake system and Lake Poso. They inhabit shallow, warm waters with soft, sandy or muddy substrates interspersed with hard rock and wood, where they spend their days foraging for decaying plant matter and microscopic biofilms.

Description of Tylomelania sp. "Yellow"

As their name suggests, these snails boast a vibrant, golden-yellow to pale orange body that is heavily wrinkled, resembling an elephant's trunk. They feature long, drooping tentacles that give them a rabbit-like appearance. Their shells are elongated, conical, and deeply grooved, typically dark brown to black. It is perfectly normal for the apex (tip) of the shell to be slightly eroded or white, a natural occurrence in their native habitats and older specimens.

Keeping and Caring for Tylomelania sp. "Yellow"

Rabbit Snails are relatively undemanding provided their specific water requirements are met. They are entirely peaceful and should not be kept with aggressive, snail-eating fish like loaches or pufferfish. Because they drag a long, heavy shell, a soft sandy substrate is highly recommended to prevent shell damage and allow for easy, natural movement.

Tank size:

A minimum of 15 to 20 gallons is recommended. These snails can grow quite large, reaching up to 3 to 4 inches (7-10 cm) in length, and need ample floor space to roam and forage.

Water Parameters:

Originating from the unique environment of Sulawesi, they require specific, warm, and alkaline conditions to thrive and maintain healthy shells over their lifespan.

Temperature

They require warm water between 26°C and 30°C (79°F - 86°F). They will become sluggish, inactive, and prone to illness in cooler temperatures.

pH

An alkaline pH of 7.5 to 8.5 is crucial to prevent the deterioration of their impressive shells.

Hardness

Moderate to hard water is necessary. Aim for a GH of 4-15 and a KH of 3-10 to provide the necessary calcium for shell maintenance and growth.

Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate

Ammonia and Nitrite must always be at 0 ppm. Nitrates should be kept as low as possible, ideally below 20 ppm, through regular water changes and good tank maintenance.

Feeding the Tylomelania sp. "Yellow"

Yellow Rabbit Snails are ravenous omnivores and detritivores. While they will scavenge for leftover fish food and decaying plant matter, their diet must be actively supplemented. They relish powdered spirulina, sinking algae wafers, bottom-feeder pellets, and blanched vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, and green beans. Indian almond leaves or other hardwood leaf litter also provide an excellent, continuous natural food source.

Breeding Tylomelania sp. "Yellow"

Unlike many nuisance snails, Rabbit Snails breed very slowly, making overpopulation extremely unlikely. They are dioecious, meaning there are distinct male and female individuals, though they cannot be told apart externally. Females are viviparous (live-bearing) and will release a single, fully-formed miniature snail enclosed in a milky-white nutritional sac every few weeks. The baby will quickly eat the sac and begin foraging independently alongside the adults.

Conclusion

The Tylomelania sp. "Yellow" is a gentle giant of the freshwater snail world. Their bright colors, fascinating faces, and slow reproduction rate make them a highly rewarding pet for aquarists willing to provide the warm, alkaline waters they need. They are sure to be a captivating conversation starter in any suitable community or biotope aquarium.

Snail info

Temperature : 26 - 30 °C (79 - 86 °F)
pH: 7.5 - 8.5

Related on Snails

Leave your comments

Latest on Snails

Yellow Baby Poso Snail, Tylomelania sp.

The Yellow Baby Poso Snail is a juvenile Tylomelania identified in the trade as Tylomelania sp. Its yellow to golden body contrasts with a dark, strongly ribbed shell. The “Poso” name suggests a Sulawesi lake lineage, but the exact species and locality cannot be confirmed from the supplied trade name or photographs alone. This is a freshwater snail for warm, mineral-rich aquariums and should be kept with peaceful tank mates that will not damage its soft body or feelers.
Gelbe Rennschnecke (Vittina waigiensis)

Vittina waigiensis is a nerite snail kept for grazing algae and biofilm on aquarium glass, rocks and hardscape. Its rounded shell may show yellow, orange or reddish tones with dark markings, but commercial names are not always applied consistently. Identification from photographs alone can be uncertain, so shell pattern should be checked against a reliable taxonomic reference. Adults are generally peaceful and do not normally damage healthy aquarium plants.
Devil's Thorn Snail (Faunus ater)

Faunus ater is a large, elongated pachychilid snail from tropical Indo-West Pacific waters. It is associated with freshwater streams, rivers and estuarine habitats, and aquarium specimens are often kept in freshwater or mildly brackish conditions. Its dark, banded or reddish-brown shell is distinctive, although identification from photographs alone can be uncertain. It is generally peaceful, plant-safe and slow to reproduce in typical freshwater aquaria.
Deadpool Rennschnecke (Vittina waigiensis)

Vittina waigiensis is a nerite snail sold in the aquarium trade under names such as Deadpool Rennschnecke, usually referring to a striking red shell with dark patterning. It is a peaceful algae grazer that generally leaves healthy plants alone. Adults can live in freshwater aquariums, but successful reproduction requires brackish or marine conditions during the larval stage. The trade name and shell pattern are not sufficient for absolute identification, so the species assignment should be treated as provisional unless confirmed by specialist examination.
Cappuccino Snail (Faunus ater)

Faunus ater is a large pachychilid snail associated with tropical rivers, streams and estuarine environments across parts of the Indo-Pacific. Its dark, elongated shell commonly has reddish-brown, orange or pale bands toward the tip. In aquaria it is generally a peaceful grazer that feeds on algae, biofilm and sinking foods. Successful reproduction is unusual in ordinary freshwater tanks because its life cycle includes free-floating larvae requiring suitable water conditions.
Bubble snail (Physa sp.)

Bubble snails sold or observed under Physa sp. are small freshwater bladder snails commonly introduced with aquatic plants. They graze on algae, biofilm and soft organic residues, and usually leave healthy plants alone. Their rapid reproduction can make them conspicuous in well-fed aquariums. Exact species identification is uncertain from the supplied name and images, so care guidance is presented for Physa-type freshwater snails rather than a single confirmed species.
Brown Ramshorn Snail (Planorbella duryi duryi)

The brown ramshorn snail is a freshwater planorbid recognized by its flat, coiled shell and air-breathing habit. Planorbella duryi duryi is generally peaceful and useful as a scavenger, although it can reproduce rapidly when food is abundant. The supplied photographs show a brown ramshorn-like snail, but shell appearance alone cannot confirm the subspecies; this article follows the supplied identification while noting that limitation.
Blue Jelly Snail (Taia sp.)

The Blue Jelly snail, often associated with the genus Taia, is a striking freshwater gastropod known for its vibrant blue foot and patterned shell. While precise taxonomic classification remains subject to ongoing debate within the hobby, these snails are popular for their unique appearance and relatively peaceful temperament in community aquariums, making them a fascinating addition for dedicated invertebrate keepers.
Black Lace Snail (Melanoides maculata)

The Black Lace Snail, scientifically identified as Melanoides maculata, is a distinctive freshwater gastropod often appreciated for its elongated, turret-like shell. While taxonomy within the Thiaridae family can be complex and subject to revision, this species is noted for its dark, textured appearance. It is a hardy inhabitant suitable for various tropical aquarium setups, provided the substrate remains clean and oxygenated.
Black Fancy Clithon Snail

The Black Fancy Clithon snail is a popular choice for freshwater aquariums due to its effective algae-eating habits. Often referred to as a variation of the horned nerite snail family, these small gastropods are highly valued for their peaceful temperament and ability to keep hard surfaces clean. They are generally hardy, provided their specific water quality and dietary requirements are met.
Big Stripe Mosaic Racing Snail (Neritina sp.)

The Big Stripe Mosaic Racing Snail is a visually striking gastropod often sought for its appetite for algae. Belonging to the Neritidae family, these snails are popular in the hobby for their unique shell patterns and efficient cleaning habits. While they are excellent additions to freshwater aquariums, they require specific environmental conditions to thrive and remain healthy in captivity.
Bee Snail (Brotia dautzenbergiana)

The Bee snail, scientifically known as Brotia dautzenbergiana, is a freshwater gastropod recognized for its elongated, spiraled shell featuring distinct dark bands. Native to Southeast Asian river systems, this species is popular among aquarium hobbyists for its unique appearance and relatively peaceful nature. Providing a stable environment is essential for their long-term health and success in a home aquarium setting.
Batman Snail (Neritina taitensis)

The Batman snail, scientifically known as Neritina taitensis, is a unique freshwater gastropod often kept by aquarists for its distinct shell morphology and algae-eating habits. Originating from tropical regions, this species is appreciated for its ability to clean hard surfaces in the aquarium. Proper care requires stable water conditions and a diet supplemented with biofilm and algae.
Batik Snail (Neritina variegata)

The Batik snail, scientifically classified as Neritina variegata, is a popular freshwater gastropod appreciated for its striking shell patterns and efficient algae-eating habits. Native to various tropical regions, these snails are highly sought after by aquarists for their ability to keep glass and decor clean without becoming a nuisance in the home aquarium environment.
Biofilm Grazing Snail Combinations

Biofilm grazing snails are popular additions to freshwater aquariums for their ability to naturally manage bacterial mats and algae. This set typically features a mix of species, such as Neritidae and Planorbidae, which function as effective cleanup crews. These invertebrates thrive in established tanks, providing essential maintenance while adding biodiversity to the underwater landscape through their varied shell patterns and colors.
Blue Post Horn Snail (Planorbella duryi)

The blue post horn snail is a popular freshwater gastropod known for its striking shell coloration and active nature in home aquariums. As a color variant of the common ramshorn snail, it is highly valued by hobbyists for its algae-consuming habits and ease of care, making it a suitable addition to many community tank setups.