Black Devil Snail
Faunus ater
Also sold as Black devil spike snail
Synonyms Cappuccino snail
Black Devil Snail (Faunus ater) is a peaceful freshwater snail that reaches about 9 cm (3.5 in) and swims along the bottom. It wants 71–77°F (21.5–25°C) and pH 7–8.5, can be kept singly, and needs a tank of at least 38 L (10 gal).
At a glance
| Type | Snail |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 9 cm (3.5 in) |
| Minimum tank | 38 L (10 gal) |
| Group size | Can be kept singly |
| Temperature | 71–77°F (21.5–25°C) |
| pH | 7–8.5 |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Lifespan | 3–6 years |
| Eats shrimp | No |
Before it goes in
- Black Devil Snail needs at least 38 L (10 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 10 Gallon.
- It leaves shrimp and small fish alone.
- It holds at 71–77°F (21.5–25°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with German Blue Ram and Discus.
- It digs in the substrate. A freshly planted carpet — Dwarf Hairgrass Mini and Downoi — gets lifted before it roots.
What tank size does it need?
At least 38 L (10 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 10 Gallon.
Will it eat shrimp?
No — adult shrimp and their young are both safe with it.
What water does it want?
71–77°F (21.5–25°C), pH 7–8.5.
How long does it live?
3–6 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Cherry Shrimp, Goldfish, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio and Molly.
- Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.
Often compared with
| Black Devil Snail | Chinese Mystery Snail | Colombian Ramshorn Snail | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 9 cm | 6.5 cm | 5 cm |
| Min tank | 38 L | 52 L | 40 L |
| Group | 1+ | 1+ | 1+ |
| Temperature | 71–77°F (21.5–25°C) | 68–82°F (20–28°C) | 64–82°F (18–28°C) |
| Eats shrimp | No | No | No |
More livestock
Sources (4) · checked Sep 2026
- What it eatsaqualibs.com
- Mature tankaquariadise.com
- What it eatsaquariumbreeder.com
- Mature tankaquaticarts.com