:: DISTRIBUTION
The species is native to the continent of Africa. It is prized as a source of protein in the diet of many African tribes as some specimens can grown up to 30cm in body length. The snail has been introduced to many tropical areas such as Thailand, Hawaii and many Pacific Islands where it is now considered a pest. In these countries and more laws are in force forbidding the ownership of these animals as pets.

:: HOUSING
Snails can be housed in very simple set ups such as plant propagators, 'Petpals', ' Geoflats' or fish tanks. The majority of snail keepers seem to prefer the fish tank. A 60 x 30x 30cm tank is generally adequate for a pair of snails provided they are normal adult size, about 20cm body length. The fish tank must have a secure lid. Snails are not the fastest escape artists in the world they are certainly the most determined and climb the glass walls easily. Although the lid should be secure there must be some snail proof form of ventilation to prevent excessive humidity. A good substrate for the tank is a 70:30 peat /vermiculite mixture. Peat alone can dry out quickly; the vermiculite helps retain the moisture. Fill the bottom of the tank with about 3-10cm depth of substrate and lightly spray with water. The substrate will get damper by vegetation sweating and snails defecating, so care must be taken to avoid the bottom becoming too muddy.

A regular change of substrate is necessary; the time period will depend of type and amount of food and size and number or snails. The snails should be kept at temperatures between 18 - 29ºC (the middle of this rage suits them best).

:: DIET
Snails are vegetarian. For such simple creatures they can sometimes be annoyingly fussy over food. Whatever you feed them make sure that it is washed to remove any pesticides. Most will eat the flat leafed round lettuce, some will also take cos, romaine and little gem lettuces. Ice burg lettuces are more often than not shunned. Some snails will take green leaves from cabbages, greens, chard and kale. Salad vegetables especially cucumber are enjoyed though this can make the tank soggy if fed regularly. They will also eat soft fruits. The provision of a shallow dish of water is optional, as they do get most water from the vegetables they eat. The snails must always have access to calcium to build their shells. The best way to achieve this is by putting a whole cuttle fish bone in the tank.
The snails may bury themselves in the substrate. Occasionally while buried they may lay lots of small, round, white eggs. These can be left to incubate in their tank or removed and incubated separately. Treat eggs the same as the snails, moist not wet, 18 - 29ºC (the warmer the eggs the shorter the incubation, again aim at the middle of the range). Hatchling snails are treated the same as adults, but on a smaller scale.

I remove babies to avoid them getting inside the shells of the adults while the adults are extended.