Conservation breeding of Sulawesi snails

Conservation breeding of Sulawesi snails

The Conservation breeding program for Sulawesi snails aims to establish and maintain in the long-term thriving populations of endangered species in aquariums. Many endemic snail species from Sulawesi lakes and rivers are endangered in the wild and their situation is rapidly deteriorating; aquarium populations therefore serve as an insurance to prevent the species from becoming completely extinct.

Because some Sulawesi snails are very attractive and easily available, they end up in the hands of the general public. However, their availability and popularity are far from being matched by the general level of knowledge and care. Thousands of snails end up in unsuitable conditions every year and die within a few months. At the same time, few people realize that most species of Sulawesi snails are not kept in aquariums at all. In contrast to this is the fact that Sulawesi lakes are a unique and beautiful place and in recent years they have faced an invasion of non-native species and a significant deterioration in conditions, which leads to a rapid decrease in suitable habitats not only for snails. Endemic invertebrates are on the verge of extinction. Learning to keep them in aquariums, i.e. understanding the natural conditions and needs of these animals, is therefore a very important and urgent goal of Sulawesi Keepers and we invite all serious breeders to join us in this effort.