Chopstick Snail (Stenomelania torulosa) — The Long-Nosed Freshwater Tank Cleaner Chopstick Snails are living aquarium function and decor combined. Named for their long, tapered cone-shaped shells rising to a fine point, these peaceful nocturnal creatures transform maintenance into an elegant, hands-off process. Native to freshwater lakes across Southeast Asia and the tropical Indo-Pacific, Chopstick Snails are hardy substrate sifters that burrow through sand and gravel, grazing on biofilm, detritus, and decaying plant matter. Unlike Malaysian Trumpet Snails that infamously overpopulate, Chopstick Snails do not breed prolifically, keeping populations under control naturally. Dark brown to nearly black shells add visual interest, while their burrowing aerates substrate and prevents toxic anaerobic pockets. Completely peaceful toward live plants, shrimp, and peaceful fish. Maximum size 2.5-4 inches. One of the most unique snail silhouettes in the hobby. Who Keeps Chopstick Snails? Planted tank enthusiasts wanting substrate maintenance without overpopulation stress. Shrimp keepers seeking peaceful tank mates. Aquascapers valuing unique vertical interest. Anyone tired of snail infestations. Collectors seeking unusual species. Anyone understanding that the best aquarium animals work while you sleep. What This Indonesian Freshwater Snail Actually Is Stenomelania torulosa, Chopstick Snail. Freshwater gastropod mollusk native to tropical Indo-Pacific waterways including Indonesian lakes and Thailand. Peaceful scavenger. Long slender cone-shaped shell reaching 2.5-4 inches at maturity. Dark brown to nearly black with subtle banding. Shell tapers to fine point. Nocturnal, spends time burrowing, climbing, grazing. Does not breed prolifically—populations remain manageable. Cannot tolerate copper. Safe for peaceful fish, invertebrates, live plants. Hardy, adaptable to various conditions. In the Aquarium Substrate Aeration: Burrows prevent anaerobic pockets, maintain healthy substrate. Detritus Removal: Grazes biofilm, decaying plant matter, leftover food. Biofilm Control: Consumes organic layers without harming plants. Visual Interest: Cone shape adds unmistakable vertical element. Safe with Shrimp: Compatible with Neocaridina, Caridina, peaceful fish. Low Overpopulation Risk: Unlike trumpet snails, population stable. Nocturnal Worker: Active at night without disruption. Plant Safe: Does not uproot or damage live plants. Natural Behavior: Substrate submersion is resting, not stress. Caring for Chopstick Snails Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons. Larger preferred for multiples. Temperature: Tropical 72-78°F. Hardy to modest variation. pH: 6.8-8.0 neutral to slightly alkaline. Hardness: GH 6-12, KH 2-8. Calcium important for shells. Substrate: Fine sand or small gravel optimal for burrowing. Mature Tank: Established aquariums with biofilm layer preferred. Water Flow: Gentle, not strong currents. Feeding: Primarily scavengers. Natural detritus sufficient in established tanks. Supplemental: Algae wafers, blanched vegetables, invertebrate pellets. Compatibility: Peaceful with shrimp, fish, other invertebrates. Avoid: No copper-based medications or supplements. Before You Close This Page Indonesian freshwater snail, 2.5-4 inches mature. Cone-shaped shell, dark brown to black. Nocturnal peaceful sifter. Burrows aerate substrate, consume detritus. Won't overpopulate. Safe for plants and shrimp. Hardy, adaptable. Vertical architectural interest. Fine sand substrate optimal. Tropical 72-78°F, pH 6.8-8.0. Scavenges naturally in established tanks. Copper-free only. Living aquarium cleaner with striking presence.
