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Achatina fulica
ExploreInvertebrate
Achatina fulica
Achatina fulica
The Giant African Snail is a big, slow-moving snail with a spiral shell. They love to munch on plants and can be found in warm places. They are interesting creatures that can grow quite large!
Habitat: Urban areas, Gardens
Appearance
The Achatina fulica is a very large land snail, typically with a long, conical shell that is mottled brown and cream or yellow. Its body is often pale grey or brownish, featuring two pairs of retractable tentacles on its head, with eyes located on the longer upper pair.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumMolluscaClassGastropodaOrderStylommatophoraFamilyAchatinidaeGenusLissachatina
Category
InvertebrateRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
A single snail can live for almost 10 years, even longer than many pets!
These snails are so huge, they can weigh as much as a small grapefruit!
They can lay hundreds of eggs at a time, hidden underground!
They use their special 'radula' tongue to scrape food like a tiny grater.
Special abilities
Ability
Speedy Repair
Achatina fulica can regrow lost tentacles or damaged parts because of specialized cells that help them heal from injury.
Ability
Portable Home
Achatina fulica has a strong, spiraled shell that helps them retract fully inside for protection from predators and dehydration.
Ability
Double Duty
Achatina fulica has both male and female reproductive organs that helps them mate with any other mature snail they encounter.
Ability
Slime Navigator
Achatina fulica can produce a slippery mucus trail that helps them glide over rough surfaces and deter predators.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 10-20 cm
- Weight
- 0.1-0.5 kg
- Lifespan
- 5-9 years
- Top Speed
- 0.005 km/h
Diet & Feeding
These hungry snails munch on many plants, decaying matter, and even calcium for their shells!
Primary Foods
- fruits
- vegetables
- leafy greens
- decaying plant matter
- algae
- calcium sources
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
hunts
Rosy Wolf Snail
Euglandina rosea
This predatory snail hunts Achatina fulica.
eats
New Guinea Flatworm
Platydemus manokwari
This invasive flatworm preys on Achatina fulica.
eaten by
Black Rat
Rattus rattus
Rats are known to consume these snails.
eats
Banana Plant
Musa acuminata
Feeds on banana leaves and fruit, causing damage.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Giant
Giant describes organisms or objects of significantly larger size than average for their species or type.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Invasive
Invasive species are non-native organisms that cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Giant African Snail
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Don't touch snails you find outside without asking an adult first, as some can be harmful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Achatina fulica?
10-20 cm
How much does Achatina fulica weigh?
0.1-0.5 kg
How long does Achatina fulica live?
5-9 years
How fast can Achatina fulica move?
0.005 km/h
What does Achatina fulica eat?
These hungry snails munch on many plants, decaying matter, and even calcium for their shells!
Where is Achatina fulica usually found?
Urban areas, Gardens
How does Achatina fulica hunt?
Foraging
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