The 3 strangest snails in Africa

Why it’s strange:
These snails can grow up to 30 cm (12 inches) in length and weigh over 1 kg (2.2 lbs), making them among the largest terrestrial snails in the world.

Habitat: Native to West Africa, especially Ghana and Nigeria.

Odd fact: They have both male and female reproductive organs and can lay up to 1,200 eggs per year. Invasive populations have become a problem in other continents due to their rapid reproduction and plant destruction.

🐌 Species Overview

1. Achatina achatina

• Common name: Ghana tiger snail or giant Ghana snail
• Size: One of the largest terrestrial snails in the world—can reach 30 cm (12 inches) in length and weigh over 500 grams (1.1 lbs).
• Shell pattern: Brown with striking yellow or orange tiger-like stripes.
• Native to: West Africa (Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia).
• Lifespan: 5–10 years in captivity, sometimes longer.

2. Achatina fulica

• Common name: East African land snail or simply “Giant African land snail”
• Size: Smaller than A. achatina, up to 20 cm (8 inches) in length.
• Shell: More conical and typically brown with faint bands.
• Native to: East Africa, especially Kenya and Tanzania.
• Invasive: Has become a highly invasive species in many parts of the world (Asia, Pacific Islands, the Caribbean, the US).
• Reproductive rate: Extremely high – hermaphroditic and capable of laying hundreds of eggs at a time.

🌍 Ecological Impact

• Invasive potential: Especially A. fulica is one of the world’s worst invasive species.
• Damage: They consume over 500 plant species, damaging crops, gardens, and ecosystems.
• Public health: Known to carry the rat lungworm parasite (Angiostrongylus cantonensis), which can cause meningitis in humans.

🏠 In Captivity (Pet Care)

• Housing: Terrarium with moisture-retaining substrate like coco coir or soil, high humidity (~75-90%), and temperatures between 24–28°C (75–82°F).
• Diet: Fresh vegetables (lettuce, cucumber, carrot), cuttlebone or calcium supplement for shell health.
• Handling: Generally docile but must be cleaned and handled with care due to parasite risks.

⚠️ Legal Status

• Achatina fulica is banned or regulated in many countries (including the U.S.) due to its invasive potential and disease risk.
• Importing or owning them without proper permits can result in fines or confiscation.

Would you like more details on care, breeding, legal status in your country, or comparison between the two species?