Tylomelania sp. “yellow mini” is a small freshwater snail from Sulawesi, Indonesia, where members of the genus Tylomelania are endemic to ancient lake systems such as Lake Poso and the Malili lakes. These snails inhabit rocky shorelines, sandy bottoms, and submerged wood in warm, stable freshwater environments with high mineral content. The water in these habitats is typically clear, alkaline, and consistently warm year-round. Tylomelania sp. “yellow mini” remains small compared to many other Tylomelania, usually reaching around 1 to 1.5 inches in shell length. The shell is elongated and conical, often dark brown to black, contrasting with the bright yellow to orange body that gives this variety its name. The soft body coloration is vivid and highly visible when the snail is active, creating strong contrast against darker substrates and hardscape. In the aquarium, these snails are well suited to small and medium tanks but benefit from stable, established environments. They prefer sand or fine gravel substrates, where they can move easily and forage. Rockwork and driftwood provide additional surfaces for grazing. Moderate water movement and good oxygenation are beneficial, but strong current is not necessary. Water conditions are critical for long-term success. Tylomelania sp. “yellow mini” requires warm, stable water with temperatures between 78 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit. A pH of 7.5 to 8.5 and moderate to high hardness are strongly recommended to support shell health. These snails do not tolerate rapid changes in water chemistry, so stability is essential. Feeding is straightforward. In nature they consume biofilm, algae, detritus, and decaying organic matter. In the aquarium they should be supplemented with sinking foods such as algae wafers, blanched vegetables, and prepared invertebrate diets. They are slow feeders and benefit from direct feeding to ensure they receive adequate nutrition. Temperament is completely peaceful. Tylomelania sp. “yellow mini” can be kept with a wide range of non-aggressive fish and invertebrates. They are especially popular in shrimp tanks and Sulawesi-style setups. They do not damage plants and are safe for planted aquariums. Reproduction is slow and controlled. Like other Tylomelania, they are livebearers and produce a small number of fully formed juveniles rather than large numbers of eggs. This makes them unlikely to overpopulate an aquarium. Tylomelania sp. “yellow mini” is a striking and manageable Sulawesi snail that combines bright coloration with interesting behavior. Its small size, slow reproduction, and bold yellow body make it an excellent choice for aquarists looking to add a unique and low-impact invertebrate to stable freshwater systems.
