Zanzibar land snail (Lissachatina reticulata)

Short answers

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

From 40×30×30 cm (1–2 adult animals); larger for a group.

Zanzibar land snail: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 25–27 °C, at night 22–24 °C.

Zanzibar land snail: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No UVB needed (nocturnal); only a day/night rhythm.

Zanzibar land snail: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 3–5 years.

Zanzibar land snail: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

25–27 °C

Night temperature

22–24 °C

Basking spot

—

Humidity

75–90 %

UVB

No UVB needed (nocturnal); only a day/night rhythm

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 40×30×30 cm (1–2 adult animals); larger for a group

Substrate

Peat-free coco humus or terrarium soil with moss, deep and permanently damp and warm; rich in calcium

Feeding

Food

Vegetables, fruit, dandelion; a cuttlebone or calcium is essential; it occasionally eats carrion or insect remains

Feeding interval

Fresh food daily (in the evening); always offer a calcium source

Key facts

Adult size

shell ~10–18 cm, the animal up to ~20 cm

Life expectancy

3–5 years

Origin

East Africa, the Zanzibar coastal region

Protection status

No CITES, and it may be kept freely in Germany. Invasive or prohibited in some countries – do not release it.

Brumation

None (tropical). Cold or dry conditions risk aestivation – keep them constantly warm and humid.

Cohabitation

Group keeping is straightforward and recommended – sociable hermaphrodites with no territoriality.

Notes

A hermaphrodite, but it cannot fertilise itself (it needs a partner). Care as for other Lissachatina. Fewer dedicated German-language care sheets – the figures are cross-checked from several giant land snail sources.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Zanzibar land snail (Lissachatina reticulata) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Giant African land snail (Lissachatina immaculata) – Beginner
• Giant African land snail (Lissachatina fulica) – 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 Zanzibar land snail (Lissachatina reticulata) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 40×30×30 cm (1–2 adult animals); larger for a group), substrate (Peat-free coco humus or terrarium soil with moss, deep and permanently damp and warm; rich in calcium), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.