Megalobulimus species are found throughout South America, including the Caribbean islands, where they are introduced. There are many species, and subspecies. Most have a shell length of around 7-12cm, they are very long lived, with a longevity of at least 14 years.
There are several subspecies of Megalobulimus oblongus kept at the moment. The two most common being Megalobulimus oblongus haemastomus, and the much larger Megalobulimus oblongus “Trinidad”
Despite being the most commonly kept, both are still incredibly rare in collections, and are both highly sought after.
They are very easy to identify when compared to African Snails. The body texture is very different, they also have a very unusual feature, tentacle-like fronds around the mouth of the Snail. It isn’t known why they have these fronds, though it may be to detect objects and potential food items.
Megalobulimus are generally very easy to care for, and are much hardier than most African species. The Trinidad form/subspecies prefers to be kept a lot warmer and humid than Megalobulimus oblongus haemastomus, which can be kept both at room temperature (18-22c) and a moderate humidity, and also heated (24-28c) with a higher humidity.
Decorations can be used, plant pots, pieces of bark, plastic plants etc.. real plants can also be used, but care should be taken when selecting plants, many garden centres use pesticides on their plants, and if ingested by the snails could cause problems, as they would eat many plants.
Megalobulimus oblongus haemastomus are very easy to feed, they will accept most fruits and vegetables. Megalobulimus oblongus “Trinidad” are a little more fussy, and prefer thinly sliced sweet potato, and leafy vegetables, such as lettuce.
Like all Snails they require a source of calcium. Since the majority of these are, for now, wild caught they may not accept cuttlefish bone. It is a good idea to grind the cuttlefish bone over the Snails food items. Liquid calcium can also be used.
Megalobulimus lay huge eggs, sometimes around 4cm. And in very few numbers. Usually only 1-3 eggs are laid at a time. There isn’t a lot of information currently available on hatching the eggs. From the limited information available it would seem the eggs are best incubated at around 28c, and can take up to 2 months to hatch.
Caring for the young is the same as the adults. Though housing them separately is advisable.
Megalobulimus oblongus haemastomus
Megalobulimus oblongus "Trinidad"
(above, largest to smallest) Megalobulimus oblongus "Trinidad", Megalobulimus oblongus haemastomus
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