Can Snails Kill Fish

There are many reports of fish being killed by snails although the mechanism by which this occurs is not always clear. In some cases it appears that the fish are simply succumbing to infection or disease that they would not have otherwise been able to fight off due to the presence of the snail. In other cases the fish may be physically attacked and killed by the snail.

One of the most famous cases of fish being killed by snails occurred in the late 1990s in Lake Victoria. This massive lake which is located in Africa was home to a large number of cichlid fish many of which were killed off by a snail called the giant African snail. The snail is believed to have been introduced to the lake by humans and it quickly became a devastating predator preying on the smaller cichlid fish. The introduction of the snail led to a massive decline in the cichlid population and the lake has never fully recovered.

There are a number of potential explanations for why the giant African snail is so deadly to fish. One possibility is that the snail is able to transmit diseases to the fish that they would not otherwise be susceptible to. Another possibility is that the snail simply out competes the fish for food leading to the fish starving to death. It’s also possible that the snail physically attacks and kills the fish.

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Whatever the mechanism by which fish are killed by snails it’s clear that this is a serious problem that can lead to catastrophic declines in fish populations. It’s important to be careful when introducing new animals into an ecosystem as even something as small as a snail can have a major impact.

How do snails kill fish?

By releasing a toxin into the water that paralyzes the fish’s nervous system.

What is this toxin called?

Tetrodotoxin

Where do snails get this toxin from?

They get it from the bacteria in their bodies.

How does the toxin affect the fish?

It causes the fish to suffocate because it cannot control its gills anymore.

Can the toxin kill humans?

Yes it can.

How much of the toxin does it take to kill a human?

Just a tiny amount.

What are the symptoms of tetrodotoxin poisoning in humans?

Symptoms include numbness tingling weakness and paralysis.

Is there an antidote for tetrodotoxin?

No there is no known antidote.

How long does it take for the toxin to kill a fish?

It usually takes about an hour.

How does the toxin kill the fish?

It paralyzes the fish’s nervous system and the fish suffocates because it cannot control its gills anymore.

What do snails eat?

They eat algae plants and small animals.

How long do snails live?

They can live up to 10 years.

How big do snails get?

They can grow up to 10 inches in length.

What is the shells of a snail made of?

The shell is made of calcium carbonate.

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Can humans eat snails?

Yes people eat snails in many parts of the world.

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