The amazing “flying” pond snail

[ecooper]

I was walking past my aquarium yesterday and saw this little pond snail suspended in the water. When I looked closer I could see that the snail was veeeeery slowly sinking and had its body extended as if it was trying to reach the bottom. I grabbed my camera and took a few photos for my blog.

The snail slowly drifted down to a perfect landing on a submerged plant. The photo below was taken as the snail was extending its body towards the plant it was about to land on and looking for all the world as if it was flying!

Cheers,
EC
www.macrocritters.wordpress.com


flying snail copyright ernie cooper 2012_filtered by ernie.cooper, on Flickr

 

[Obelisk]

I've noticed pond snails doing that in particular, in different directions. I guess they adjust the gas levels in their shells? However it is they do it, it's pretty funny to watch.

 

[ecooper]

I've noticed pond snails doing that in particular, in different directions. I guess they adjust the gas levels in their shells? However it is they do it, it's pretty funny to watch.

That's what I figure...funny I haven't noticed the behaviour before. Mind you, I have a lot of plants and wood in the tank that reach the surface.

Someone mentioned to me today that the behaviour was called "parasnailing". LOL!!

EC

 

[Galapoheros]

HAHA, great pic. I have a 10gal with a bunch of small native snails in it. They do this for transportation imo. They will let go of the bottom and rise to the top. Some will turn upside down and eat the fish food at the surface.

 

[mmfh]

Parasnailing! Rofl. For some reason that really made me laugh

 

[Widowman10]

Parasnailing! Rofl. For some reason that really made me laugh

wow, haha, that's pretty good

amazing picture by the way, well done.

have not noticed this behavior before. will have to pay closer attention.