Mystery snail breeding question...

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo

Destroyer551

Gambusia
MFK Member
Mar 19, 2009
548
0
16
Orlando, Florida
I've had my 6 ivory mystery snails for about a month now. I'm assuming they are now comfortable because the males have constanly been breeding. I'm sure I at least have 2 breeding pairs. They've been mating 1-2 times a day for the past 5 days. When should the females lay eggs after mating? In a week? In a a few days? I've heard they can store up sperm for weeks...but what's the average gestation period? Thanks.
 
Id think you should be seeing eggs by now.Are you sure there are no clusters in the hood or hanging from the bottom of it?
 
When mine bred, I seem to remember it taking a couple weeks before they hatched. I didn't change anything with water level after the eggs were laid.
 
bump
 
Destroyer551;3845571; said:
I've had my 6 ivory mystery snails for about a month now. I'm assuming they are now comfortable because the males have constanly been breeding. I'm sure I at least have 2 breeding pairs. They've been mating 1-2 times a day for the past 5 days. When should the females lay eggs after mating? In a week? In a a few days? I've heard they can store up sperm for weeks...but what's the average gestation period? Thanks.

Just because you see a male mounting another does not necessarily guarantee you have both sexes...they are randy critters. Have you noticed any of the snails grooming above the water line? Do you have your waterline lowered at least 2" to give them space to lay the egg clutch? Sometimes doiong a 50% water change can help induce laying eggs. They can store sperm for up to 3 months. They will hold their eggs if conditions are not suitable for them to lay them.
 
I used to see mine mating all the time but have never had eggs. I guess either I don't have both sexes (I have one ivory and one brown/striped mysteries) or the male is shooting blanks!
 
Destroyer551;3845719; said:
Anyone? I want to know when I'm supposed to lower the water level.

I have subscribed to this thread to learn more about these guys to.
I bought 2 about a month ago and have been watching them bump shells for the whole time that they have been in my 55 gal.
They have grown twice the size form when I brought them home. and eat real good, shrimp pellets, algae disk with veggies, cut shrimp etc.
I did not know when to lower the water level ether but had read that when you see one of the snails hang at the top of the tank allot then it might be time. Well the smaller of the two has been going to the top so I dropped the water by 2" and left for the day. I got home that night and BAM! There it is, a nice light pink clutch of eggs about the size and shape of a grape behind my HOB filter. She is kinda just laying around today, kinda give out I guess, I sure would be.LOL
My water test out at:
nH3/nH4 = 0ppm
no3 = 0ppm
no2 = 0ppm
pH = 7.0
temp= 77 deg.
I have two HOB filters
Large air bubblier
So far so good. let me know how its working out for you and I will do the same
.......................................Jay :D
 
I had moisture collectin on the top of my lid so they laid eggs there
 
MonsterFishKeepers.com