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[ARRIVED 28-APR-2026] Black Devil Snail 2-4cm

Description

Black Devil Snail (Faunus ater)

Large, peaceful substrate-grazing snail for mature planted and community aquariums

Quick Facts

  • Size: Approx. 5–9 cm adult
  • Tank Size: 40L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟒 Easy
  • Temperament: Peaceful
  • Diet: Omnivore / scavenger
  • Plant Safe: Mostly yes

Is this for you?

βœ”οΈ Good if:

  • You want a unique, larger ornamental snail
  • You keep peaceful community fish or shrimp
  • You have sand or soft substrate
  • You want a snail that helps stir the substrate

❌ Avoid if:

  • You keep loaches, puffers, crayfish, or aggressive fish
  • You expect heavy algae cleaning on glass
  • You keep very delicate freshly planted carpets
  • You want a snail that breeds in freshwater

Why this snail?

Black Devil Snails are large, striking snails known for their long dark shell and active burrowing behaviour.

Unlike pest snails, they do not reproduce in freshwater aquariums, making them a low-risk addition for planted and community tanks.

Picture Reference: https://aquariumbreeder.com/black-devil-snail-detailed-guide-care-diet-and-breeding/

Common mistakes

  • Expecting them to clean algae from glass surfaces
  • Keeping them in soft acidic water β†’ shell erosion risk
  • Using sharp gravel instead of softer substrate
  • Underfeeding in ultra-clean tanks
  • Housing with snail-eating fish

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 22–28Β°C
  • pH: 7.0–8.5
  • Substrate: Sand or fine gravel preferred
  • Diet: Leftover food, algae wafers, pellets, vegetables
  • Water: Stable, moderately hard water

Black Devil Snails spend much of their time burrowing and grazing through substrate. Sand is ideal because it allows natural digging behaviour.Β 

Pair with

  • Peaceful shrimp and nano fish
  • Leaf litter and botanicals
  • Calcium-rich foods or mineral supplements
  • Sand substrate setups
NTA Insight:
These snails are often mistaken for rabbit snails, but they behave differently. They spend more time burrowing and substrate-grazing than climbing glass, making them better suited for mature planted tanks with soft substrate.

FAQ

Do Black Devil Snails breed in freshwater?

No. They require brackish conditions to reproduce, so they generally will not multiply in freshwater aquariums

Are they safe with shrimp?

Yes. They are peaceful and commonly kept with dwarf shrimp and nano fish.

Do they eat live plants?

Usually no, though hungry snails may nibble soft or damaged plant tissue. Keeping them fed reduces this risk.

Why is the shell becoming white or rough?

Shell erosion often happens in soft or acidic water. Harder water and calcium supplementation help maintain shell quality.

Are they good algae cleaners?

They will graze biofilm and leftovers, but they are not heavy glass-cleaning snails like nerites.

[ARRIVED 28-APR-2026] Black Devil Snail 2-4cm

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15 in stock

$30.00 $18.00


All prices include GST
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    Description

    Black Devil Snail (Faunus ater)

    Large, peaceful substrate-grazing snail for mature planted and community aquariums

    Quick Facts

    • Size: Approx. 5–9 cm adult
    • Tank Size: 40L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟒 Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Diet: Omnivore / scavenger
    • Plant Safe: Mostly yes

    Is this for you?

    βœ”οΈ Good if:

    • You want a unique, larger ornamental snail
    • You keep peaceful community fish or shrimp
    • You have sand or soft substrate
    • You want a snail that helps stir the substrate

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You keep loaches, puffers, crayfish, or aggressive fish
    • You expect heavy algae cleaning on glass
    • You keep very delicate freshly planted carpets
    • You want a snail that breeds in freshwater

    Why this snail?

    Black Devil Snails are large, striking snails known for their long dark shell and active burrowing behaviour.

    Unlike pest snails, they do not reproduce in freshwater aquariums, making them a low-risk addition for planted and community tanks.

    Picture Reference: https://aquariumbreeder.com/black-devil-snail-detailed-guide-care-diet-and-breeding/

    Common mistakes

    • Expecting them to clean algae from glass surfaces
    • Keeping them in soft acidic water β†’ shell erosion risk
    • Using sharp gravel instead of softer substrate
    • Underfeeding in ultra-clean tanks
    • Housing with snail-eating fish

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 22–28Β°C
    • pH: 7.0–8.5
    • Substrate: Sand or fine gravel preferred
    • Diet: Leftover food, algae wafers, pellets, vegetables
    • Water: Stable, moderately hard water

    Black Devil Snails spend much of their time burrowing and grazing through substrate. Sand is ideal because it allows natural digging behaviour.Β 

    Pair with

    • Peaceful shrimp and nano fish
    • Leaf litter and botanicals
    • Calcium-rich foods or mineral supplements
    • Sand substrate setups
    NTA Insight:
    These snails are often mistaken for rabbit snails, but they behave differently. They spend more time burrowing and substrate-grazing than climbing glass, making them better suited for mature planted tanks with soft substrate.

    FAQ

    Do Black Devil Snails breed in freshwater?

    No. They require brackish conditions to reproduce, so they generally will not multiply in freshwater aquariums

    Are they safe with shrimp?

    Yes. They are peaceful and commonly kept with dwarf shrimp and nano fish.

    Do they eat live plants?

    Usually no, though hungry snails may nibble soft or damaged plant tissue. Keeping them fed reduces this risk.

    Why is the shell becoming white or rough?

    Shell erosion often happens in soft or acidic water. Harder water and calcium supplementation help maintain shell quality.

    Are they good algae cleaners?

    They will graze biofilm and leftovers, but they are not heavy glass-cleaning snails like nerites.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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