We have the Malayan Tiger. We have the Malayan Tapir. But did you know the most famous aquarium snail in the world is also named after our country?
Meet the Malaysian Trumpet Snail (or MTS for short).
If you ask a fish shop uncle about them, he might scrunch his face and say, “Aiya, that one is pest. Free gift. Take lah.” Many hobbyists hate them because they multiply fast. But I am here to act as their defense lawyer. These aren’t pests; they are the Earthworms of the Aquarium. And if you have a tank with sand or soil, you actually need them.
The “Zombie” Behavior
The scientific name is Melanoides tuberculata. They are called “Trumpet Snails” because their shell looks like a long, spiral ice-cream cone.
You rarely see them during the day. They are nocturnal burrowers. When the lights are on, they dig themselves deep into the substrate (sand/gravel). When the lights go off, they rise from the ground like zombies to clean your tank.
Why They Are Heroes (The Gas Problem)
If you use sand in your aquarium, you face a hidden danger: Anaerobic Gas Pockets.
If sand sits too long without moving, deadly gas (Hydrogen Sulfide) builds up underneath. It smells like rotten eggs. If a big bubble releases suddenly, it can kill your fish.
The MTS solves this. Just like earthworms in a garden, the Malaysian Trumpet Snail moves through the sand 24/7.
- They aerate the roots of your plants.
- They prevent toxic gas from building up.
- They eat leftover food that falls into the cracks where fish can’t reach.
“But they breed too fast!”
This is the #1 complaint. “I started with 5, now I have 500.”
Here is the harsh truth: If you have too many snails, it is your fault. MTS are an excellent “Overfeeding Indicator.” They only reproduce if there is excess food.
- If you see the population exploding, you are feeding your fish too much.
- If the population stays stable, your tank is balanced.
Don’t blame the janitor for the mess you made!
The “Canary in the Coal Mine”
Farmers used to take birds into mines to detect poison gas. The MTS does the same for your water quality.
If you wake up one morning and see all your Malaysian Trumpet Snails climbing up the glass to the surface at the same time, check your water immediately. It usually means there is an Ammonia spike or low oxygen. They are trying to escape the bad water. They give you a warning before your fish start dying.
Where to Get Them?
You usually don’t have to buy them. Go to any LFS in Malaysia. Look at their plant tanks. You will likely see these cone-shaped snails in the corner. Ask the shopkeeper nicely, and they will probably scoop a handful for you for free.
Closing Thought The next time you see a Malaysian Trumpet Snail, don’t crush it. It is carrying our country’s name, and it is working hard under the sand to keep your tank safe from toxic gas. Let the little zombie live.
