WHat's wrong with my mystery snail?

Question

I have a black mystery snail that I just got about 3 days ago. I put him in my big tank with the cichlids, and did fine until yesterday, when one of the cichlids seemed to be picking on him. (He flipped upside down and just let him do it) So, I moved him to my betta tank where I also have 2 froggies, and a Cory (yes, they all get along swimmingly) so, before long he was back on his right side and skimming the tank. This morning I wake up to him on his back again and am concerned about whether he will be able to breath or not, and whether he dieing. He was the only snail NOT doing this at the pet shop I bought him in, they were all flipped up and imobile, so I picked the one that was moving. He's not being picked on in the betta tank, he's just upside down. Couple of Q's:: Will he drown if I dont do something? Is he sleeping? Should I take him back to the store? Just leave him alone? Please help.

2009-05-04T11:43:39Z

heres something. Yes, they can drown to the guy who said they cant. THis particular type of snail goes to teh surface for air. I have also never seen him do that, but I dont stay up all night to watch him either.

Jessica M · Accepted Answer

When it's ready it will crawl up the side of the tank and get some air. They can store it in their shell and breathe from it for some time, days even.

You have to realize that you won't see this snail being active very often especially during the day when tank lights are on. Also, snails will do this when being transported and won't truly be comfortable for another week or two. It's normal. 

At night when you cut the lights out in your tank. Plop a piece of an algae wafer in the tank and leave it for an hour or two. Come back with a flash light and I'm sure you will see your Mystery being quite active.

Mrs. Irwin · Answer

A's: He shouldn't drown; could be resting; if you would feel better about it i would take him back; he should be fine.. 

I have many snails in my tanks and ive never ran into an issue when they were laying upside down... now you do have to make sure you see some movement.. if he lays on his back for days at a time, then there is definitely something wrong.

Anonymous · Answer

snails can't drown, first of all i think he might be sick although i don't now if snails can get sick just flip him over again and ask the guys at the pet store what's wrong i think he will be fine as far as i know

wendland · Answer

they choose to play lifeless for some reason. Mine even floats around the best of the tank in the previous letting the air pass and dropping to the backside to discover. the only thank you to tell in the event that they are truthfully lifeless is surprisingly plenty in the event that they fall out of their shells.

WHat's wrong with my mystery snail?

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