Freshwater
Snail
More details
Orange Poso Rabbit Snail (Tylomelania zemis)
Pro
Pro
Description
Striking and unusual, the Orange Poso Rabbit Snail adds motion and bold color to freshwater tanks. With a long, spiraled shell and vibrant orange body, this species hails from ancient Sulawesi lakes and is favored by aquascapers seeking unique clean-up crew members.
Difficulty Level
Intermediate Care
Region
Orange Poso Rabbit Snail (Tylomelania zemis)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Needs stable water and high pH. Sensitive to ammonia and copper. Best in mature, clean tanks.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Wild populations are vulnerable due to their narrow range in Sulawesi. Many specimens are still wild-caught.
Origin
Endemic to Lake Poso, Sulawesi, Indonesia—a tectonic lake with alkaline, mineral-rich waters. Found crawling along soft sediment and rocky substrates.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Characterized by its elongated shell and vivid orange body, this snail stands out in planted tanks. Its slow, gliding movement adds life to still scapes and offers a prehistoric aesthetic.
Purpose
Functions as a substrate sifter and detritivore. Helps clean leftover food and biofilm without harming plants. Does not consume algae aggressively like nerites, but is more visible and engaging.
Importance
Its slow lifestyle and unique look make it a favorite for aquascapers and shrimp keepers. Adds biodiversity while reducing organic waste buildup. Encourages curiosity about Sulawesi biotopes.
Included Resources
Requires warm, alkaline water (pH 7.5–8.5, temp 78–84°F). Sand or soft substrate preferred to prevent shell damage. Calcium supplementation via cuttlebone or specialized foods is beneficial.
Best Use Cases
Ideal for Sulawesi biotopes, shrimp tanks, or minimalist scapes where visual oddities are welcome. Works well in peaceful nano tanks and aquascapes focused on microfauna.
Conservation Context
Restricted to a small region. Overharvesting and habitat degradation threaten wild stocks. Support captive-bred sources when available to avoid pressure on natural populations.
Ideal Tank Mates
• Caridina and Neocaridina shrimp
• Peaceful rasboras and small tetras
• Otocinclus and other nano fish
• Livebearers (if soft finned)
• Other Sulawesi snails and gobies
Region (A)
• Latitude: -2.0257° S
• Longitude: 120.2181° E
(Northern Lake Poso region, Sulawesi)
Region (B)
• Latitude: -2.0993° S
• Longitude: 120.5687° E
(Southeastern Lake Poso basin)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Orange Poso Rabbit Snail (Tylomelania zemis)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Needs stable water and high pH. Sensitive to ammonia and copper. Best in mature, clean tanks.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Wild populations are vulnerable due to their narrow range in Sulawesi. Many specimens are still wild-caught.
Origin
Endemic to Lake Poso, Sulawesi, Indonesia—a tectonic lake with alkaline, mineral-rich waters. Found crawling along soft sediment and rocky substrates.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Characterized by its elongated shell and vivid orange body, this snail stands out in planted tanks. Its slow, gliding movement adds life to still scapes and offers a prehistoric aesthetic.
Purpose
Functions as a substrate sifter and detritivore. Helps clean leftover food and biofilm without harming plants. Does not consume algae aggressively like nerites, but is more visible and engaging.
Importance
Its slow lifestyle and unique look make it a favorite for aquascapers and shrimp keepers. Adds biodiversity while reducing organic waste buildup. Encourages curiosity about Sulawesi biotopes.
Included Resources
Requires warm, alkaline water (pH 7.5–8.5, temp 78–84°F). Sand or soft substrate preferred to prevent shell damage. Calcium supplementation via cuttlebone or specialized foods is beneficial.
Best Use Cases
Ideal for Sulawesi biotopes, shrimp tanks, or minimalist scapes where visual oddities are welcome. Works well in peaceful nano tanks and aquascapes focused on microfauna.
Conservation Context
Restricted to a small region. Overharvesting and habitat degradation threaten wild stocks. Support captive-bred sources when available to avoid pressure on natural populations.
Ideal Tank Mates
• Caridina and Neocaridina shrimp
• Peaceful rasboras and small tetras
• Otocinclus and other nano fish
• Livebearers (if soft finned)
• Other Sulawesi snails and gobies
Region (A)
• Latitude: -2.0257° S
• Longitude: 120.2181° E
(Northern Lake Poso region, Sulawesi)
Region (B)
• Latitude: -2.0993° S
• Longitude: 120.5687° E
(Southeastern Lake Poso basin)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Orange Poso Rabbit Snail (Tylomelania zemis)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Needs stable water and high pH. Sensitive to ammonia and copper. Best in mature, clean tanks.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Wild populations are vulnerable due to their narrow range in Sulawesi. Many specimens are still wild-caught.
Origin
Endemic to Lake Poso, Sulawesi, Indonesia—a tectonic lake with alkaline, mineral-rich waters. Found crawling along soft sediment and rocky substrates.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Characterized by its elongated shell and vivid orange body, this snail stands out in planted tanks. Its slow, gliding movement adds life to still scapes and offers a prehistoric aesthetic.
Purpose
Functions as a substrate sifter and detritivore. Helps clean leftover food and biofilm without harming plants. Does not consume algae aggressively like nerites, but is more visible and engaging.
Importance
Its slow lifestyle and unique look make it a favorite for aquascapers and shrimp keepers. Adds biodiversity while reducing organic waste buildup. Encourages curiosity about Sulawesi biotopes.
Included Resources
Requires warm, alkaline water (pH 7.5–8.5, temp 78–84°F). Sand or soft substrate preferred to prevent shell damage. Calcium supplementation via cuttlebone or specialized foods is beneficial.
Best Use Cases
Ideal for Sulawesi biotopes, shrimp tanks, or minimalist scapes where visual oddities are welcome. Works well in peaceful nano tanks and aquascapes focused on microfauna.
Conservation Context
Restricted to a small region. Overharvesting and habitat degradation threaten wild stocks. Support captive-bred sources when available to avoid pressure on natural populations.
Ideal Tank Mates
• Caridina and Neocaridina shrimp
• Peaceful rasboras and small tetras
• Otocinclus and other nano fish
• Livebearers (if soft finned)
• Other Sulawesi snails and gobies
Region (A)
• Latitude: -2.0257° S
• Longitude: 120.2181° E
(Northern Lake Poso region, Sulawesi)
Region (B)
• Latitude: -2.0993° S
• Longitude: 120.5687° E
(Southeastern Lake Poso basin)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Orange Poso Rabbit Snail (Tylomelania zemis)
Region
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