{"product_id":"chopstick-snail","title":"Chopstick Snail (Stenomelania torulosa) – Long-Nosed Snail, Peaceful Freshwater Algae Eater \u0026 Substrate Sifter, Won't Overpopulate Your Tank, Safe for Live Plants \u0026 Shrimp","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.375rem] font-bold\"\u003eChopstick Snail (Stenomelania torulosa) — The Long-Nosed Freshwater Tank Cleaner\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003eChopstick 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"border-border-200 border-t-0.5 my-3 mx-1.5\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho Keeps Chopstick Snails?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003ePlanted 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"border-border-200 border-t-0.5 my-3 mx-1.5\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat This Indonesian Freshwater Snail Actually Is\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eStenomelania torulosa\u003c\/em\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"border-border-200 border-t-0.5 my-3 mx-1.5\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn the Aquarium\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSubstrate Aeration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Burrows prevent anaerobic pockets, maintain healthy substrate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDetritus Removal:\u003c\/strong\u003e Grazes biofilm, decaying plant matter, leftover food.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBiofilm Control:\u003c\/strong\u003e Consumes organic layers without harming plants.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVisual Interest:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cone shape adds unmistakable vertical element.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSafe with Shrimp:\u003c\/strong\u003e Compatible with Neocaridina, Caridina, peaceful fish.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLow Overpopulation Risk:\u003c\/strong\u003e Unlike trumpet snails, population stable.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNocturnal Worker:\u003c\/strong\u003e Active at night without disruption.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e Does not uproot or damage live plants.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNatural Behavior:\u003c\/strong\u003e Substrate submersion is resting, not stress.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"border-border-200 border-t-0.5 my-3 mx-1.5\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCaring for Chopstick Snails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Minimum 10 gallons. Larger preferred for multiples.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tropical 72-78°F. Hardy to modest variation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.8-8.0 neutral to slightly alkaline.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e GH 6-12, KH 2-8. Calcium important for shells.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSubstrate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fine sand or small gravel optimal for burrowing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMature Tank:\u003c\/strong\u003e Established aquariums with biofilm layer preferred.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Flow:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gentle, not strong currents.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Primarily scavengers. Natural detritus sufficient in established tanks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSupplemental:\u003c\/strong\u003e Algae wafers, blanched vegetables, invertebrate pellets.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful with shrimp, fish, other invertebrates.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAvoid:\u003c\/strong\u003e No copper-based medications or supplements.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"border-border-200 border-t-0.5 my-3 mx-1.5\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBefore You Close This Page\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003eIndonesian 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"terramaterfarms","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53862040666430,"sku":"30207","price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/8836\/7166\/files\/candles-5456.png?v=1785636340","url":"https:\/\/www.terramatergardens.com\/products\/chopstick-snail","provider":"Terra Mater Gardens","version":"1.0","type":"link"}