Dwarf African Land Snail | Archachatina papyracea

Behavior

• Calm, slow-moving, and easy to care for.

• Mostly nocturnal; becomes active in the evening and during humid conditions.

• Enjoys burrowing into substrate and hiding under objects.

• Harmless and peaceful; suitable for group housing.

Enclosure Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 20 liters for a small group

• Substrate: 8–12 cm of coconut fiber, soil, or organic compost for burrowing and egg laying

• Decor: Cork bark, leaves, moss, and small logs for hiding

• Humidity: 70–90%

• Temperature:

  • Day: 22–26°C

  • Night: 20–22°C

• Lighting: Low light; avoid direct sunlight

• Ventilation: Moderate airflow to prevent mold

Compatibility

• Social species; can be housed in groups with other similar-sized land snails.

• Avoid housing with predatory insects or animals that may harm snails.

Diet

• Herbivorous; feeds on fresh vegetables and fruits:

  • Cucumber, lettuce, carrot, zucchini, apple

  • Leafy greens and soft vegetables

• Provide calcium source such as cuttlebone or crushed eggshell for shell growth.

• Remove uneaten food daily to prevent mold.

Care Tips

• Maintain moist substrate but avoid waterlogging.

• Mist enclosure regularly to maintain humidity.

• Spot-clean regularly and remove spoiled food.

• Avoid handling with dry hands to prevent damaging the snail’s delicate skin and shell.

Breeding

• Hermaphroditic; both snails can lay eggs after mating.

• Eggs are laid in moist substrate and hatch after 2–4 weeks depending on temperature and humidity.

• Juveniles remain in the substrate initially and require soft foods and calcium.

Visual Quick Guide

• 🏠 Enclosure: ≥20 L, deep moist substrate, hides and leaves

• 🌡️ Temp: Day 22–26°C / Night 20–22°C

• 💧 Humidity: 70–90%

• 🍴 Diet: Vegetables, fruits, leafy greens, calcium source

• 🕒 Activity: Nocturnal, burrowing detritivore

• ⚠️ Stress: Maintain humidity, moist substrate, and gentle handling

Please note: We don't ship live animals. You can order online and choose click and collect, and we will hold it for you.