Tylomelania gemmifera

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Tylomelania gemmifera, also called Golden Rabbit Snail, is a remarkable freshwater snail native to the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. Its sculptured shell and rabbit-like appearance make it highly sought after by aquarists, although availability remains irregular. This species prefers warm, alkaline and well-oxygenated water, together with a mature aquarium that offers plenty of biofilm. Peaceful and most active at dusk, it grazes surfaces, explores the décor and helps recycle organic matter. It should be kept with care, especially because it is sensitive to mineral deficiencies that can damage its shell. A stable, established aquarium is much more suitable than a newly set-up tank.

General species description

Tylomelania gemmifera is a large freshwater snail in the family Pachychilidae, recognized by its elongated, conical and strongly sculptured shell. The name Golden Rabbit Snail is mainly used in the aquarium trade to describe its golden to brown-yellow coloration and contrasting body. Like other Tylomelania, it moves with a broad muscular foot and uses a radula to scrape biofilm from hard surfaces. Its behaviour is generally peaceful, but it requires a mature and stable aquarium. It is less common than popular cleaning snails, which gives it an intermediate rarity in the trade. It does not attack fish or healthy plants, although it may climb onto leaves while searching for food.

Geographic origin and habitat

Country of reference: Indonesia. This species is associated with Sulawesi, particularly the Lake Towuti basin in the Malili Lakes region. It inhabits freshwater shoreline areas, rocky or sandy bottoms and locations where biofilm and plant debris accumulate. The natural environment generally has warm, mineral-rich and alkaline water, with enough circulation to maintain good oxygen levels. In an aquarium, effective filtration, moderate water movement and calcium-rich water are therefore important. A layout using smooth rocks, driftwood and open areas better reflects its habits than a densely planted aquarium with constant strong current.

Precise locality and local name

The locality generally associated with Tylomelania gemmifera is Lake Towuti, in the Malili Lakes complex of Sulawesi. The lake lies in the southern part of the island and belongs to the drainage network of the Larona basin. Golden Rabbit Snail is the main name used in international aquarium commerce. No single local vernacular name is retained here. In stores and among aquarists, the scientific name remains the safest way to identify the species, since several Tylomelania may be sold under similar trade names. Locality matters because Sulawesi snails often have more specialized requirements than widely distributed freshwater species.

Appearance and physical characteristics

The shell of Tylomelania gemmifera is elongated, sturdy and often covered with visible ridges or nodules. Its colour may range from golden brown to olive yellow, with a surface that can appear lighter under strong aquarium lighting. The body is generally dark, sometimes with orange shades on the foot and head. Two sensory tentacles surround the eyes, while the siphon helps direct water toward the respiratory cavity. The combination of a strongly sculptured golden shell and dark body is its main visual feature. The shell should be monitored because excessively soft or acidic water can gradually erode its outer layers.

General feeding

Tylomelania gemmifera mainly grazes on biofilm, fine algae and microorganisms growing naturally on rocks, glass and driftwood. In a new or overly clean aquarium, this food source may be insufficient. Offer sinking foods containing plant matter, such as invertebrate wafers, blanched zucchini, cucumber or leafy greens. A small amount of mineral-rich food can supplement the diet. Regular access to calcium is essential for shell formation and maintenance. Avoid overfeeding, since waste-laden water quickly harms this snail. It benefits most from continuous natural biofilm and moderate supplementary feeding, rather than large quantities of food added at once.

Essential data

• Name of source river: Lake Towuti drainage network, Larona basin
• Local name used: Golden Rabbit Snail in the aquarium trade
• Origin of the scientific name: the genus Tylomelania refers to a shell with raised or swollen features; gemmifera refers to a gem-like or jewel-bearing appearance
• Etymology of the full name: Tylomelania comes from Greek tylos, swelling, and melania, black or dark; gemmifera comes from Latin gemma, gem, and ferre, to bear
• Common/vernacular names: Golden Rabbit Snail, golden rabbit snail
• Family: Pachychilidae
• Subfamily: Pachychilinae
• Name pronunciation: tie-loh-meh-LAH-nee-ah gem-MIF-er-ah
• Discovery: Paul Benedict Sarasin and Fritz Sarasin, 1897
• Maximum adult size: approximately 8 cm
• Water temperature and pH: 24 to 30 °C; pH 7.5 to 8.5
• Waterway appearance and surrounding vegetation: lake shores, rocks, sand, plant debris and surrounding tropical vegetation
• Typical tankmates: Tylomelania patriarchalis, Tylomelania perfecta, Tylomelania sarasinorum, Tylomelania towutensis
• Temperament and behaviour: peaceful, bottom-dwelling, exploratory and mainly active at dusk or during the night
• Water depth: shoreline areas and shallower sections of the lake
• Sexual dimorphism: difficult to distinguish externally
• Bottom structure and flow: rocky or sandy bottom, with low to moderate water movement and good oxygenation

In your aquarium

Success with Tylomelania gemmifera depends on stable, warm and sufficiently mineralized water. Use a smooth substrate, provide grazing surfaces and avoid treatments containing copper. Gentle but effective filtration helps maintain water quality without preventing the snail from moving naturally. Check pH, hardness and shell condition regularly. A mature aquarium, sinking vegetable foods and a steady calcium supply are the most important elements for keeping a Golden Rabbit Snail healthy over time.