Tylomelania towutensis (Gold Spotted Rabbit Snail)

14 April 2026

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Discover the captivating Gold Spotted Rabbit Snail (Tylomelania towutensis), a rare freshwater gem from the ancient lakes of Sulawesi. With its elongated, deeply textured dark shell and a striking black body adorned with vibrant gold spots, this peaceful giant adds a touch of exotic beauty to any tropical aquarium.

Tylomelania towutensis (Gold Spotted Rabbit Snail)

Overview

The Gold Spotted Rabbit Snail (Tylomelania towutensis), sometimes referred to as the Posio snail, is a highly sought-after freshwater snail known for its unique appearance and peaceful demeanor. Native to the warm, alkaline waters of Indonesia, it is a fantastic addition to specialized tropical aquariums.

Image of gold spotted posiosnail tylomelania towutensis

Distribution and Habitat

Endemic to the Malili lake system in Sulawesi, Indonesia, specifically Lake Towuti. These snails inhabit warm, clear, and highly alkaline waters with rocky or sandy substrates where they forage for detritus and soft algae.

Description of Tylomelania towutensis

As seen in the close-up images, this species features a long, conical shell that is dark brown to black with heavy texturing and whorls. The most striking feature is its foot and head, which are deep black covered in vibrant, contrasting gold or yellow spots. They have a distinct, elongated snout resembling a rabbit, which gives them their common name.

Keeping and Caring for Tylomelania towutensis

Caring for these snails requires attention to their specific water requirements, as they are less tolerant of poor water quality or acidic conditions than common aquarium snails.

Tank size:

A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended. They can grow up to 3-4 inches in length and need plenty of floor space to roam and forage.

Water Parameters:

Replicating the Sulawesi lake environment is crucial for their long-term health.

Temperature

77°F - 86°F (25°C - 30°C). They thrive in warmer waters.

pH

7.5 - 8.5. Acidic water will erode their shells and lead to health issues.

Hardness

KH 4-8 dKH and GH 4-10 dGH. Adequate calcium is necessary for shell maintenance.

Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate

Ammonia and Nitrite must be 0 ppm. Nitrates should be kept as low as possible, ideally below 20 ppm.

Feeding the Tylomelania towutensis

They are omnivorous scavengers. In the aquarium, they will readily accept sinking pellets, algae wafers, blanched vegetables (like zucchini, spinach, and cucumber), and powdered invert foods. They also continuously graze on biofilm and decaying plant matter.

Breeding Tylomelania towutensis

Breeding is slow but possible in home aquariums. Tylomelania are viviparous (livebearers). They reproduce slowly, typically releasing only one fully formed juvenile snail at a time, encased in a milky white sac that the baby quickly consumes.

Conclusion

The Gold Spotted Rabbit Snail is a truly magnificent specimen for the dedicated aquarist. While they require specific water parameters to mimic their native Sulawesi habitat, their gentle nature and spectacular gold-spotted appearance make them well worth the effort.

Snail info

Temperature : 77°F - 86°F (25°C - 30°C)
pH: 7.5 - 8.5

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