Black Devil Snail

Faunus ater

Black Devil Snail (Faunus ater) — Easy care, Peaceful, under Snail. Minimum tank in the app: 13.2 US gal min; aim for 72–86°F and pH 7–8.5. The Black Devil Snail is an intriguing addition for those interested in a peaceful, herbivorous grazer that thrives in a well-maintained environment.

Care levelEasy
TemperamentPeaceful
Min tank size13.2 US gal min
pH range7–8.5
Temperature72–86°F
Max size3.9 in (10.0 cm)
Captive lifespan2–5 years
SchoolingNo

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.

Natural distribution

Various

We don’t shade a region on this simplified map—your text may be Europe-only, worldwide, listed as “Various,” captive-only, or outside the five areas used in the stocking calculator. That tool still scores whether your fish come from similar parts of the world.

Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.

Black Devil Snail Tank Setup

Create a balanced environment with ample surfaces for grazing, as well as hiding spots to reduce stress. A gentle flow and a substrate that allows for easy movement are ideal, while moderate lighting can help simulate their natural habitat, encouraging normal activity levels.

What Do Black Devil Snails Eat?

Feeding is generally slow and deliberate, with minimal competition. Ensure they have access to a variety of plant matter and detritus; however, overfeeding can lead to water quality issues, which is critical for their health and coloration.

Black Devil Snail Tank Mates

Black Devil Snails are highly compatible with a diverse range of peaceful species. Ideal tank mates include other herbivores and small community fish. However, avoid larger or faster species that might outcompete them for food or cause stress; intraspecies aggression is unlikely as they thrive in groups but should be kept in ample numbers to encourage natural social behavior.

Are Black Devil Snails Good for Beginners?

In App-aquatic we file this under easy care. That still means a cycled tank, realistic stocking, and parameters that do not swing every weekend. Aquarists often underestimate the need for a stable environment, leading to fluctuations in water parameters. neglecting to provide sufficient grazing surfaces can cause stress and malnourishment.

Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.

Log tests and reminders in App-aquatic—free, same data you see here.