Can Black Devil Spike Snails Live With Amano Shrimp?

Can Black Devil Spike Snail Be Kept With Amano Shrimp?

Black devil spike snails (Clea helena) and amano shrimp (Caridina multidentata) are both popular freshwater aquarium invertebrates. They are both relatively easy to care for and can add a lot of interest to a tank. However, there is some debate over whether or not these two species can be kept together.

Some aquarists believe that black devil spike snails will prey on amano shrimp, while others believe that the two species can live together peacefully. The truth is, it depends on the individual snails and shrimp. Some snails may be more aggressive than others, and some shrimp may be more timid than others.

If you are considering keeping black devil spike snails with amano shrimp, it is important to do your research and make sure that you are aware of the risks involved. It is also important to monitor your tank closely and intervene if there is any sign of aggression.

II. Black Devil Spike Snail

The black devil spike snail (Clea helena) is a small, predatory snail that is native to Southeast Asia. It is a popular aquarium snail due to its unique appearance and its ability to help control the population of other snails and algae in the tank.

Black devil spike snails are typically about 1 inch in diameter and have a black body with white or yellow stripes. They have a long, pointed snout and a pair of sharp, curved teeth.

Black devil spike snails are nocturnal predators that feed on other snails, small fish, and aquatic insects. They are very efficient at hunting and can quickly eliminate a population of snails in a tank.

Black devil spike snails are also very active and curious creatures. They are known to explore the entire tank, climbing on plants and decorations. They are also known to play dead when they are threatened.

Black Devil Spike Snail

The black devil spike snail (Cirrophella costata), also known as the black devil snail or the black devil spikenose snail, is a species of freshwater snail in the family Thiaridae. It is found in South America.

The black devil spike snail is a small snail, reaching a maximum length of about 1 inch. It has a black body with a white spiral band around the middle. The shell is smooth and has a pointed spire.

The black devil spike snail is a voracious predator, feeding on a variety of small aquatic animals, including fish, shrimp, and other snails. It can be a nuisance in aquariums, where it can quickly become overpopulated and prey on the other inhabitants.

The black devil spike snail is also a carrier of the parasitic flatworm Haplorchis yokogawai, which can cause liver disease in humans.

IV. Can Black Devil Spike Snail Be Kept With Amano Shrimp?

The answer to this question is yes, black devil spike snails can be kept with amano shrimp. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when housing these two species together.

First, black devil spike snails are larger than amano shrimp, so they will need a larger tank. A minimum tank size of 10 gallons is recommended for housing a black devil spike snail with amano shrimp.

Second, black devil spike snails are more aggressive than amano shrimp. They may try to eat the shrimp, so it is important to make sure that there is plenty of food available for both snails and shrimp.

Finally, black devil spike snails produce a lot of waste. It is important to keep the tank clean and well-maintained to prevent the waste from building up and harming the shrimp.

If you are willing to provide a large tank, plenty of food, and regular tank maintenance, then black devil spike snails can be a great addition to your freshwater aquarium. They are beautiful creatures that will add interest and personality to your tank.

V. Pros of Keeping Black Devil Spike Snail With Amano Shrimp

There are a few pros to keeping a black devil spike snail with amano shrimp.

• Black devil spike snails are a type of predatory snail, which means they will help to keep the population of other snails in your tank under control. This can be beneficial if you are struggling with an infestation of pest snails.
• Black devil spike snails are also scavengers, which means they will help to clean up any uneaten food or waste in your tank. This can help to keep your tank clean and healthy.
• Black devil spike snails are relatively peaceful creatures, and they are not known to be aggressive towards other tank mates. This makes them a good choice for tanks that contain amano shrimp.

VI. Cons of Keeping Black Devil Spike Snail With Amano Shrimp

There are a few potential cons to keeping a black devil spike snail with amano shrimp.

• The black devil spike snail can be aggressive and may attack amano shrimp.
• The black devil spike snail can eat amano shrimp eggs.
• The black devil spike snail can produce a lot of waste, which can pollute the water and make it difficult for amano shrimp to survive.

It is important to weigh the pros and cons of keeping a black devil spike snail with amano shrimp before making a decision. If you are concerned about the potential risks, it is best to avoid keeping these two species together.

VII. Conclusion

In conclusion, black devil spike snails and amano shrimp can be kept together in the same aquarium. However, there are some risks associated with this, such as the snail eating the shrimp or the shrimp harassing the snail. It is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before deciding whether or not to keep these two species together.

VIII. Resources

Here are some resources that you may find helpful:

• Black Devil Spike Snail Care Guide
• Amano Shrimp Care and Breeding
• Amano Shrimp: Tank Mates, Care, and Breeding

FAQs

Q: Can black devil spike snails and amano shrimp live together?

A: Yes, black devil spike snails and amano shrimp can live together peacefully. However, it is important to note that the snail may eat the shrimplets, so it is important to provide plenty of hiding places for the shrimplets.

Q: How big do black devil spike snails get?

A: Black devil spike snails can grow to be up to 2 inches in diameter.

Q: What do black devil spike snails eat?

Black devil spike snails are omnivorous and will eat algae, detritus, and other organic matter.

Q: How do I care for a black devil spike snail?

Black devil spike snails are easy to care for and require a basic freshwater aquarium setup. They need a tank that is at least 10 gallons in size, with a pH of 6.5-7.5 and a temperature of 72-82 degrees Fahrenheit. They should be fed a diet of algae, detritus, and other organic matter.

Q: Are black devil spike snails dangerous?

No, black devil spike snails are not dangerous to humans. However, they can be a nuisance if they eat too much algae or detritus.