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Tylomelania patriarchalis, also known as White Spots Rabbit Snail, is a large freshwater snail from Sulawesi, Indonesia. Its elongated shell and often contrasting foot give it a distinctive appearance, while its slow movements make its behavior easy to observe. This species belongs to the group of Sulawesi rabbit snails sought after by aquarists, but it remains less commonly available than several other tylomelania snails. It is best suited to a mature, stable aquarium with plenty of grazing surfaces. In Canada, this form is offered exclusively by Ton.Fish.

General description

Tylomelania patriarchalis is a freshwater gastropod belonging to the Pachychilidae family. Like other rabbit snails, it moves on a broad muscular foot and has a long, spiraled shell. It is most active when the aquarium light is dimmed, although it may also travel during the day in a well-established aquarium. Care requires clean, mineral-rich and well-oxygenated water, together with surfaces covered in biofilm. Its availability remains moderate to limited, making it an interesting choice for an aquarium dedicated to Sulawesi invertebrates.

Geographic origin and biotope

Reference country: Indonesia. This species is associated with Lake Matano, in the South Sulawesi province. Its natural habitat includes littoral areas and hard substrates where the snails move across rocks, submerged wood and surfaces covered with fine algae and biofilm. The lake water is generally clear, alkaline and relatively warm. Aquarium conditions should therefore avoid acidic, very soft water, which can weaken the shell. Moderate circulation and good oxygenation are also appropriate for this type of habitat.

Precise location and local name

The known distribution of Tylomelania patriarchalis is linked to Lake Matano, an ancient tectonic lake in Sulawesi. No widely used local vernacular name is retained here; in the aquarium trade, the English name White Spots Rabbit Snail is the most practical way to identify it. The term “rabbit snail” refers to the shape of the head and the long antennae visible when it explores the décor. This restricted origin makes stable parameters and careful transfers between aquariums especially important.

Appearance and physical characteristics

The shell of Tylomelania patriarchalis is elongated and conical, with several clearly visible whorls. Its background color is generally dark, with pale or whitish markings that inspired the trade name White Spots Rabbit Snail. The foot may show contrasting cream, brownish or orange tones. Long antennae and an elongated snout are typical tylomelania features. Adult specimens can reach approximately 8 cm under good conditions, and the shell requires sufficiently calcium-rich water to remain strong.

General diet

This species mainly grazes on biofilm, fine algae and organic matter found on surfaces. In an aquarium, this natural food source should be supplemented with sinking vegetable foods such as spirulina-based wafers or blanched vegetables. A varied diet helps maintain body condition, especially in very clean aquariums where natural food production is limited. Providing a source of calcium, through mineral-rich water and suitable snail foods, is also useful.

Essential data

• Name of originating river: Lake Matano; it is a lake rather than a river.
• Local name used: No widely established local vernacular name; White Spots Rabbit Snail is the common trade name.
• Origin of the scientific name: The genus Tylomelania refers to a group of freshwater snails from Sulawesi; the species was described under the name patriarchalis.
• Full-name etymology: Tylomelania is a zoological genus name; patriarchalis comes from Latin and means “patriarchal” or “related to a patriarch.”
• Common/vernacular names: White Spots Rabbit Snail, white-spotted rabbit snail.
• Family: Pachychilidae
• Subfamily: No subfamily is listed here.
• Name pronunciation: tie-loh-meh-LAY-nee-ah pah-tree-ar-KAH-liss
• Discovery: Described by Eduard von Martens in 1897.
• Maximum adult size: Approximately 8 cm.
• Water temperature and pH: 26 to 30 °C; pH 7.5 to 8.5.
• Appearance of the waterway and surrounding vegetation: Clear, warm and alkaline water; rocky substrates, biofilm, fine algae and riparian vegetation.
• Typical tankmates: Peaceful Sulawesi snails and shrimp; avoid fish that prey on snails.
• Temperament and behavior: Peaceful, slow-moving and primarily a grazer; activity increases at dusk.
• Water depth: Littoral and shallow areas of the lake.
• Sexual dimorphism: No simple, reliable external feature is retained for separating the sexes.
• Bottom structure and flow: Hard, rocky bottom with low to moderate flow and good oxygenation.

In your aquarium

For successful care of Tylomelania patriarchalis, use a mature aquarium with warm, alkaline and mineral-rich water, along with stable décor that provides biofilm. Supplement its diet without allowing organic waste to accumulate. Avoid copper-based treatments and predatory tankmates. Regular maintenance, slow acclimation and a constant calcium source will help preserve shell growth and integrity.