Mystery Snails Quit Breeding. Why?

[Psyche]

I said the male will be on top, which is the case . As you say, they don't care who is on the bottom. The female is the one laying eggs. I find that an easier method than trying to spot the penis sheath.

 

[Lupin]

Thanks for the info. I will need to consider a bigger tank, I think. Now that my adults have grown, there is maybe not enough room above the water line?

I'd leave at least 2-2.5 inches space above the water line.

 

[JakeH]

Update: Still no new snails. I think we might have fed all of the females to the GSP's or something (I didnt know you could sex them before). Now that I've seen how to sex them, I went to the local Petco & tried it, but they all looked like they were packing p-sheaths. Are they normally all males in the trade, or do I need more practice? The small ones were impossible to open, but I could see into the big ones. Are they hermaphrodites at birth, then become male or female upon reaching maturity? I dont really get it. They just did their thing for a while, then quit...

 

[Lupin]

Update: Still no new snails. I think we might have fed all of the females to the GSP's or something (I didnt know you could sex them before). Now that I've seen how to sex them, I went to the local Petco & tried it, but they all looked like they were packing p-sheaths. Are they normally all males in the trade, or do I need more practice? The small ones were impossible to open, but I could see into the big ones. Are they hermaphrodites at birth, then become male or female upon reaching maturity? I dont really get it. They just did their thing for a while, then quit...

I think you are mistaking the penis sheath for something else. Stores do not know how to determine their sexes, how much more ending up selling an all-male stock? That would not make sense. And no, they were never asexual. They are already sexual but young ones do not grow their penis sheath until sexually matured.

 

[JakeH]

Good info! I'll start practicing! Anyhow, I know they aren't asexual, but why are they considered hermaphrodites? Please give me a liitle more info... Also, If I need a confirmed female, whats the best method to get one? Do I just throw more snails in?

 

[Lupin]

You'll want to pick the adults that are at least 1.5 inch and over to be sure you have the sexually matured ones. Females don't have the penis sheath. That's all you should be looking for.