There is an albino body form of Achatina fulica which is fully established in captivity, they are known as white jade snails, or Achatina fulica f. “white jade”, thousands are bred in China each year for food, a small number of them are now being kept in captivity within Europe, they are as prolific as normal Achatina fulica, so hopefully they will be fully established in captivity within Europe very soon.

They appear to grow much smaller than the normal Achatina fulica already in captivity, maybe adult at 5-7cm, this may be because of increased inbreeding which must occur in producing them as a food item in China. They appear much more shy than regular fulica, and may benefit from much warmer, more humid conditions, they also appear to be nocturnal.

It is unknown how they first appeared as a food item in China, this species is native to East Africa, but is known to be found in the wild in China, as it is introduced there, a small number of albino’s may have been found, which would be the descendants of the thousands that are bred for food today.

(above) Achatina fulica f. "white jade"

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