Giant African land snail (Lissachatina immaculata)

Short answers

Giant African land snail: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From ~80×50 cm of floor area (a large species reaching 15 cm); a tightly closing, well-ventilated lid.

Giant African land snail: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–28 °C, basking spot — (no heat lamp; an infrared emitter or heat mat if needed), at night not below 22–24 °C.

Giant African land snail: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No UVB needed.

Giant African land snail: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 5–10 years.

Giant African land snail: Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).

Climate

Daytime temperature

24–28 °C

Night temperature

not below 22–24 °C

Basking spot

— (no heat lamp; an infrared emitter or heat mat if needed)

Humidity

above 80 % (highest at night)

UVB

No UVB needed

Enclosure

Minimum size

from ~80×50 cm of floor area (a large species reaching 15 cm); a tightly closing, well-ventilated lid

Substrate

Lime-rich, loose soil or coco humus, at least as deep as the shell is long (for burying and egg-laying), always damp

Feeding

Food

Lettuce, cucumber, sweet potato, assorted vegetables and fruit; calcium at all times: a cuttlebone plus lime-rich substrate

Feeding interval

fresh food daily, a calcium source always available

Key facts

Adult size

shell approx. 9–13 cm (up to ~15 cm)

Life expectancy

approx. 5–10 years

Origin

South-eastern and eastern Africa (the type locality is Maputo, Mozambique; savannah and dune forest)

Protection status

Not protected under CITES or German nature conservation law, but an invasive species – strictly prevent release or escape (import is prohibited in some countries, e.g. the USA).

Brumation

Aestivation (a dry rest) is possible – Achatina/Lissachatina immaculata is considered the "greatest long sleeper" (2–5 months); kept constantly warm and humid it is usually unnecessary

Cohabitation

Group keeping is straightforward (hermaphrodites and sociable); several animals together is usual. Note: they breed very readily – check for and remove egg clutches regularly to avoid a population explosion.

Notes

A hermaphroditic giant land snail; nocturnal. Important: heat lamps are unsuitable (they dry it out) – better a heat mat plus a hygrometer. A calcium supply is essential for building the shell. The young need calcium-rich substrate.

Do you keep this species?

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Related species

• Giant African land snail (Lissachatina fulica) – Beginner
• Zanzibar land snail (Lissachatina reticulata) – Beginner
• Roman snail (Helix pomatia) – Beginner
• Flame land snail (Limicolaria flammea) – Beginner
• Garden snail (Cornu aspersum) – Beginner
• Giant West African land snail (Archachatina marginata) – Beginner
• Cuban land snail (Caracolus sagemon) – Intermediate
• Giant land snail (Megalobulimus oblongus) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Giant African land snail (Lissachatina immaculata) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from ~80×50 cm of floor area (a large species reaching 15 cm); a tightly closing, well-ventilated lid), substrate (Lime-rich, loose soil or coco humus, at least as deep as the shell is long (for burying and egg-laying), always damp), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.