Sleepy Gary?!

[angeldleight81]

Hi,

I have a Golden Apple snail which my daughter named Gary (not at all influenced by spongebob!) I have noticed Gary's shell darkening over the last few days and h hasn't eaten any of his algae wafers (Which I was assured he would love by the shop blokey). I have just come in from a night shift and Gary is in the same place as he was when I went out last night - this is also unusual - he normally roams around at night! His "trapdoor" is open, but he is not fully out and when I touch him there is no reaction. A friend of mine told me to watch the snails as when they die they start to infect the water thus affecting the fish - but then the shop guy said don't worry if he goes dormant, they "hibernate" for up to six weeks at a time.

I don't know what to do - is he sleeping or has he died?! Do I leave him in his slumber or risk infecting the fish?

They are currently all in temporary housing - WCMM and Zebra danios in a small coldwater tank. I bought a 90l tank yesterday and am sorting the cycle out. They will all be lost in there when they go in! lol.

Just hope Gary is able to join them

 

[fishman1981]

Thats funny i had 3 snails that did the same thing and then one day it started moving again it even got to a point that they would float to the top of the tank, i know that snails do hibernate for awhile.

i dont think its dead..i heard they hide in their shell when sleeping/threatened/ or the environment is bad. you should get your water tested and fix the problem if there is any or maybe it was just time for him/her to pass away..you sound responsible so maybe it was just old.
Just keep the snail away from the fish, when did you notice this?