Pictocolumbella ocellata

Datasheet

General Description

The Dove Snail (Pictocolumbella ocellata), often known as the Lightning Dove snail, is favored by marine enthusiasts for its appetite for various algae types, including film, diatoms, hair, algal detritus, and even certain cyanobacteria. These snails, featuring thick black shells adorned with white curved or zigzag stripes and a purple entry point, typically measure up to 5.1 cm in size.

Aquarium Suitability

With their easy-care requirements, Dove Snails make a suitable choice for marine aquariums, contributing both aesthetically with their striking appearance and functionally by helping control algae growth.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

Dove Snails are known for their adaptability and are considered easy to care for in aquarium settings. They thrive in water conditions with a pH range of 8.2-8.4 and a specific gravity of 1.023-1.025. These herbivorous snails tend to gravitate towards hard surfaces like aquarium walls, rocks, décor, and substrate where they can feed and explore.

Reef Suitability

Due to their herbivorous nature and algae-eating habits, Dove Snails are generally considered safe for reef aquariums, where they can contribute to maintaining a clean and balanced ecosystem.

Aquarium Setup

When incorporating Dove Snails into an aquarium, it is important to provide ample hard surfaces for them to graze on, such as rocks and aquarium walls. Ensuring proper water conditions and offering a variety of algae types for their diet will help maintain their health and well-being in the tank.

Behaviour

These snails exhibit typical snail behavior, using their muscular feet to cling firmly to surfaces in search of food. Their scavenging nature often leads them to explore different parts of the aquarium, contributing to the overall cleanliness of the tank.

Feeding and Diet

As herbivores, Dove Snails primarily feed on various forms of algae, helping to keep algae growth in check within the aquarium. Providing a balanced diet rich in algae and other suitable sources of nutrition will support their health and vitality.

Dimorphism

There are no distinguishing visual characteristics between male and female Dove Snails.

Habitat and Distribution

Dove Snails, belonging to the Columbellidae family, are typically found in marine environments where they can feed on algae and detritus. Their distribution is primarily observed in regions conducive to their herbivorous diet and biological requirements.