The numbers
Enclosure
30 L+ ventilated tub with locking lid
Diet
Leafy greens, veg, fruit, cuttlebone · Fresh food daily
Temperature
24–28°C
Humidity
75–90%
Identity
Order / Family
Stylommatophora
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; Achatinidae banned/illegal in USA & many countries
Difficulty
Beginner–Intermediate
Commonality
Popular large hobby snail where legal
Adult size
Shell up to ~15–20 cm (very heavy-bodied)
Lifespan
5–10 yrs
Growth rate
Moderate–fast
Activity & niche
Nocturnal terrestrial herbivore
Temperament
Docile, slow
Venom / defense
Harmless; can carry parasites — wash hands after handling
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
24–28°C
Humidity
75–90%
Min. enclosure
30 L+ ventilated tub with locking lid
Substrate
10 cm damp coco/soil for burrowing & eggs
Hides / decor / water
Cork bark, leaf litter, moss; shallow water dish
Diet
Staple food
Leafy greens, veg, fruit, cuttlebone
Feeding frequency
Fresh food daily
Supplements
Cuttlebone / calcium always available (shell growth)
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Gentle; wash hands after; never release
Communal
Yes – tolerant communal
Defense / stress signs
Retracting, epiphragm sealing, inactivity
Reproduction
Reproduction
Hermaphrodite; lays fewer, larger eggs than Achatina
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsShell rot/cracks, low-calcium shell, dehydration
Red flags / quarantine
SignsNever release (invasive); check legality before sale/export
Good to know
- Its rounded, bulbous shell and huge body make it a favourite 'tank' snail.
Others in this group
Caribbean / Purple Pincher Hermit CrabCoenobita clypeatusGiant African Land SnailLissachatina fulicaRed Apple CrabMetasesarma aubryiIndonesian / Purple Land Hermit CrabCoenobita brevimanusRuggie Land Hermit CrabCoenobita rugosusVampire Crab (assorted Geosesarma)Geosesarma sp. (e.g. dennerle, 'red devil')Giant Pink-foot / Immaculate Land SnailAchatina immaculataConcave / Cavipes Land Hermit CrabCoenobita cavipes