Snail Breeding? Are hey?

Kazzy

I have two mystery snails in my tank and came home to this:



Are they breeding? Or did they just happen to want to be on the same part of the glass and are trying to both take up the same place (lol)?
Thanks!!!

Lupin

Mating. Is the gold a male or a female? Look for the penis sheath. Male mysteries will copulate just about anyone, even males so don't expect the gold to be female unless you've already determined correctly its gender.

Kazzy

I'll try to look and see. When I got up each morning they were still doing this. Thanks!

Lupin

I think it's time to separate the gold before it suffers V-shaped fracture on its shell from constant prodding by the male.

Here's the blog on distinguishing their sexes.
http://sexingapplesnails.blogspot.com/

Kazzy

Thanks! I won't be able to until I get home from work. Will they be ok until then?

Lupin

I think so but separate them anyway when you get home. Females are very easily stressed from constant prodding by the males.

Kazzy

I'll definitely do that.

Kazzy

Well, guess they were breeding...just found this clutch of eggs :D

Lupin

Congrats.

Kazzy

Thanks! Just recently got more snails in a trade (some of them are just HUGE!) and I'm continuously separating breeding couples after they have been 'locked up' for a bit. Will probably sell off/trade the youngins and any that can't be sold/traded will be fed to my crayfish :) Can't wait!