Black Devil Lava Snail

Black Devil Lava Snail (Faunus ater), also known as the black devil snail, is a striking freshwater snail known for its dark, lava coloured shell and hardy nature. Our lava snails for sale have a tall, spire shaped shell that can grow to around 7cm, and they are an excellent choice for aquarium enthusiasts who want a unique and functional snail that helps with algae control and cleaning tasks.

Location

The Black Devil Lava Snail is native to Southeast Asia and the western Pacific, including the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia, where it lives in coastal rivers and streams. In aquariums, they thrive in similar setups, enjoying clean, well maintained water with plenty of surfaces for grazing.

Diet

As herbivores, Black Devil Lava Snails primarily feed on algae, detritus, and biofilm. They are especially effective at cleaning algae off tank surfaces, helping to keep your aquarium pristine. Supplementing their diet with algae wafers or blanched vegetables like courgette can ensure they receive proper nutrition.

Care

Black Devil Lava Snails thrive in water temperatures between 22°C and 28°C and prefer a pH range of 7.0 to 8.0. They are sensitive to medications containing copper, so it’s important to avoid using these chemicals in the tank. Maintaining stable water parameters and performing regular water changes are crucial for their health.

Habitat

To create an ideal habitat for Black Devil Lava Snails, use a soft substrate like sand or fine gravel. Including decorations such as plants, rocks, and driftwood provides excellent grazing surfaces. These snails are also known for their ability to explore vertical surfaces, so offering space for climbing is recommended. Be sure to secure the aquarium lid to prevent escapes.

Breeding

Breeding Black Devil Lava Snails in freshwater can be a challenge, as they typically require specific conditions to reproduce. They may lay eggs on hard surfaces, but the eggs will not hatch unless brackish water is provided to support the breeding process.

Buy more and save, with multi-buy discounts from 5 snails. See also our zebra nerite snail and horned nerite snail, or browse all our aquarium snails.

Shipping Information

We take care to ensure your order arrives in excellent condition and ready to settle into your aquarium. All orders are shipped with tracking, and the cut-off time for same-day dispatch is 4 pm.

Orders containing dry goods, shrimp, snails or plants are dispatched Monday to Friday via Royal Mail for fast, reliable delivery. Livestock, in particular live fish and invertebrates, are dispatched Monday to Wednesday only, using an approved overnight courier, to avoid weekend delays and ensure safe and timely delivery.

Track Your Order

You will receive a tracking number by email when we begin processing your order for shipping. The selected courier will provide updates on delivery only through their tracking page.

During colder weather, heat packs are added when needed. Livestock orders are carefully packed in insulated boxes to help maintain a stable temperature throughout transit.

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