Hercules snail (Brotia herculea) care guide

Group
Snails
Other names
Giant tower cap snail, Melania herculea, Melanoides herculea, Melania reevei, Melania peguensis, Brotia snail
Family
Pachychilidae
Origin
South-East Asia (Myanmar and Thailand)
Water
freshwater
Temperature
22–28°C
pH
7–8.2
Hardness
8–15 dGH, 4–10 dKH
Care level
intermediate

Care

The Hercules snail, also called the giant tower cap snail, is a large freshwater snail with a tall, turreted shell and an operculum (trapdoor). The strength of the ribs on the shell varies a lot between individuals, which is why it has been described under many names. It is one of the bigger snails in the freshwater trade, with a dark shell several centimetres long. Our sources have little on this species; the figures are general guidance, not from a source. Set-up: a mature tank with a soft substrate, rocks and wood, good oxygen and gentle to moderate flow, as it comes from flowing rivers. Hard, alkaline water protects the shell. A group can be kept together. Role: a peaceful grazer and scavenger of biofilm, algae, detritus and leftover food. Imported snails are often starved and should be fed well while they settle; many losses happen in the first weeks. It is considered a low invasive risk, but should never be released. Copper: copper-based medicines and some plant fertilisers are toxic to shrimp, snails and most other invertebrates. Never dose them in a tank holding this animal, and read the label of any treatment, fertiliser or algae remover before use. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brotiaherculea). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Grazes biofilm and soft algae and scavenges detritus and leftovers. Add sinking pellets, algae wafers and blanched vegetables, and make sure enough food reaches the bottom.

Breeding

Like other Brotia it is thought to brood its young, which are born as tiny snails, but it breeds slowly and rarely in aquariums. Sexes are separate.

Compatibility and tank mates

Peaceful with fish, shrimp and plants. Avoid snail-eating fish such as loaches and puffers, and assassin snails, which may attack young or weak ones.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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