Engina mendicaria bumblebee snail / super leftover eater

Profile: Engina mendicaria (bumble bee snail)

• Scientific name: Engina mendicaria
• Origin: Indo-Pacific region, particularly from tropical waters of the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans
• Color: Light brown to beige with striking dark stripes or spots decorating the shell, reminiscent of the pattern of a bumblebee
• Size: Can reach up to 3 cm in length
• Light requirement: Not light dependent
• Water movement: Moderate to strong water flow
• Temperature range: 24–28°C
• pH value: 8.1–8.4
• Salinity: 1.023–1.025 SG
• Diet: Carnivore, feeds mainly on carrion, small crustaceans, and detritus. It helps maintain ecological balance by decomposing organic materials in the soil.
• Care: Relatively easy to care for, but it requires stable water conditions and a sufficient food source in the form of carrion or detritus-containing areas in the aquarium
• Reproduction: Usually by laying eggs, which does not always lead to successful larval development in aquariums
• Special Features: The Engina mendicaria is a striking snail with its characteristic "bumblebee" pattern. This snail is often used for algae and waste removal in aquariums and plays a role in the decomposition of organic matter. It is capable of burrowing into the substrate, loosening the aquarium floor and removing organic debris. Its small size and interesting pattern make it a unique addition to reef aquariums.