How snails move at the water surface

[CACAdmin]

I often find my snails (especially Brigs), cilliary feeding at the surface of the water. Now sometimes they still have a slight grip on the glass with just a tip of their foot. Other times, I have watched them maneuver themselves along the surface to the 'perfect' spot to feed. However, I have never considered how they are capable of this.

I came across this interesting article where they have actually done extensive research on water snails (freshwater and marine) and discovered how snails move along the surface of the water. Apparently they wrinkle their foot "into little rippling waves" distorting the surface of the water to enable them to move.

Article here (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081009144333.htm).

Between that and their ability to control their buoyancy, and how quickly they can glide on glass, our snails do get around the tank rather quickly, if you've noticed. (So much for the concept of snails being slow... that only applied to land snails. Our water snails move pretty quickly.

[Melody]

I think that has to be one of their most exclaimed over talents. Many new snailers ask about it when they see it. It's a great thing for those who feed food that creates a surface oil (which we should stay away from but not everyone does) and they are also able to catch the tiny floating particles that fish don't see. They have to be the best janitors overall, taking care of the bottom, the top, dying/dead foliage, dead fish and algae. A very resourceful creature:yes: .

I was just taking shots of them cilliary feeding the other day. I get a kick out of the mass movement to the surface when I drop seaweed into the tank. The babies/juvies react to it quickest, which is fine by me because seaweed has everything they need to grow properly. I don't know if it's because they like it a lot or if the stronger scent draws them up more quickly, but they almost instantly go to the surface, balance on the floating plants and start sucking it in :laugh: .

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f227/canadiansinternetdotcom/MM-CilliarySeaweed4.jpg

Some bad closer shots (I only have room light for this tank):

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f227/canadiansinternetdotcom/MM-CilliarySeaweed2.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f227/canadiansinternetdotcom/MM-CilliarySeaweed.jpg

[Pamelajo]

It so neat how they do that. Some very pretty shades of pink Mel in the first pic.

[CACAdmin]

Snails are such good tank janitors... taking care of everything. They sure must love the seaweed to respond so quickly. And I have to agree with Pam, those are some beautiful pinks.

[Melody]

Thanks for the pink comments:smile: . I cannot for the life of me figure out what shade they're going to end up when they're grown. Some are going magenta, others just seem to stay that weird kind of rose pink. The only thing I can think of is that light foot snail with the purple shell has thrown a loop into things. Never a dull moment! It reminds me of Terri's pinks so it's probably a trickle down from hers. I miss her snails - she really worked her colours and always seemed to be a step ahead of everyone else in producing the latest stunning shade.:notworthy:

It's kinda hard to tell if they love seaweed or food in general at that age :laugh: . The seaweed is fresh off the drying racks this season and the smell is really strong, so they probably just pick the scent up quicker than other foods. It's fun to watch them rush to the surface regardless.

[CACAdmin]

I often see my brigs cilliary feeding but lately I've noticed to adult red ramshorns who seem to prefer to feed this way most of the time. It's hard to get a good pic because of all the duckweed at the surface but here's a close up of one. Notice the crease in the foot to trap and funnel food.

http://www.canadianaquariumconnection.com/jb_images/red-ramshorn-cilliary.jpg

[coffeebean]

snails are so neat. when i started keeping tanks and got a snail i had no idea how interesting they would be. i have as many as possible now!

[Melody]

Always good to have more slimey snail lovers around! What kind do you have?

I have to say that I strongly suspect your avatar picture has been edited. Everybody knows that cows only jump over moons. :wink:

[Malibu]

Those are all gorgeous pictures! My apple died last week, and they're hard to find around here, so I haven't replaced it. I really need to, though, because I'm noticing a huge difference in the 30 gal he was in.

[fishclubgirl]

There's someone on www.usedcalgary.com (http://www.usedcalgary.com) who's selling them. I was thinking I might get a couple more as they're great in fry tanks!!

[Melody]

Most chain stores have them, quite often local stores have them this time of year because people breed outside their capacity to keep them. They're not hard to find if you're patient.

[Melody]

There was just something about this upside down peppermint baby that made me say 'aaaawwww' :Smile: ...

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f227/canadiansinternetdotcom/MM-2009-MagxMag.jpg


She's (stereotyping pink into female) scarfing down decap Brine Shrimp eggs and apparently duckweed goes well with them. It's amazing how they're born with these skills and use them instinctively.

[CACAdmin]

That is so cute. Fantastic photo. They're definitely very smart about figuring out ingenious ways to get food.