Adding accessories to mystery snails

[noeken]

I recently came across the Pokémon "Torterra" and it got me thinking - that turtle with a tree on its back is pretty awesome. I was wondering, has anyone tried attaching Anubias Nana petite to a large mystery snail's shell? I think it'd be really cool to see a plant growing on the snail as it moves around the tank. I chose Anubias because it's a small species, so I don't think it'll hinder the snail's movement. My main concern is the glue - will it harm the snail in any way?

[willie32]

I think that's really inconsiderate, gluing a plant to a living creature, it doesn't seem right to me.

[willie32]

I recently came across the Pokémon "Torterra" and it got me thinking - that turtle with a tree on its back is pretty awesome. I was wondering, has anyone tried attaching Anubias Nana petite to a large mystery snail's shell? I think it'd be really cool to see a plant growing on the snail as it moves around the tank. I chose Anubias because it's a small species, so I don't think it'll hinder the snail's movement. My main concern is the glue - will it harm the snail in any way?

The algae just grows on its own, but you're intentionally gluing a plant to the snail to make it look like some Pokémon thing.

You're gonna have to figure out how to keep the roots from growing in a way that bothers the snail's body or face. What if the plant just dies off and starts releasing ammonia right next to the snail?

[noeken]

I think that's really inconsiderate, gluing a plant to a living creature, it doesn't seem right to me.

I'd definitely keep a close eye on it and intervene as needed - trimming the plant or removing it if things start to get out of hand. I've had experience with trimming roots on epiphytes before, and it's worked out fine with just minor setbacks to their growth.

[wandg]

I'm with willie32 on this one. Gluing a plant to a live creature just for aesthetics doesn't sit right with me. The potential risks to the snail, like root irritation or ammonia release, outweigh any novelty value.

[BadgersSong]

I've never attempted this, and I wouldn't recommend trying it. Anubias Nana can grow to a size that might disrupt the snail's balance, unlike algae which seems to have a more natural effect. My concern is also with the adhesive - even aquarium-safe superglue might not be the best choice for direct application on a living creature, if you ask me.

[noeken]

I've never attempted this, and I wouldn't recommend trying it. Anubias Nana can grow to a size that might disrupt the snail's balance, unlike algae which seems to have a more natural effect. My concern is also with the adhesive - even aquarium-safe superglue might not be the best choice for direct application on a living creature, if you ask me.

I came across another thread discussing moss as an option - I think that might be a better fit for this idea. Anubias could get too big, I'll have to look into other plants that might work better.

I understand the concern about the glue, but I wouldn't be applying it directly to the snail's living tissue. It'd be more like attaching a fake nail to a human fingernail - the shell doesn't have nerves, so it shouldn't cause any discomfort. The snail probably wouldn't even notice the plant.

I've seen people use CA Glue to repair snail shells without any issues, which makes me think it's safe to use in this case.

[infold]

Be careful with the superglue, don't want you accidentally bonding body parts together.

[Burgermuncher]

I'd advise against it. Glue could easily seep into the snail's mantle area, causing harm. The snail's movement would be restricted, which isn't ideal. Anubias is a bigger plant than the algae that naturally grows on shells. I think there's a difference between using glue to repair a broken shell and using it to decorate a snail.

[BadgersSong]

I recently came across the Pokémon "Torterra" and it got me thinking - that turtle with a tree on its back is pretty awesome. I was wondering, has anyone tried attaching Anubias Nana petite to a large mystery snail's shell? I think it'd be really cool to see a plant growing on the snail as it moves around the tank. I chose Anubias because it's a small species, so I don't think it'll hinder the snail's movement. My main concern is the glue - will it harm the snail in any way?

I can see the appeal in decorating a mystery snail, I really can. The idea of a tiny, moving Torterra is pretty cool. But, I still wouldn't do it. Mosses can get pretty bushy, and even if you choose a small plant, there's a risk of it getting out of control.

I'm not trying to scold you, I just think it's not worth the risk. Those hermit crabs with anemones on their shells are adorable, but they can shed their shells if needed. Snails can't. I wouldn't glue anything to a snail shell, no matter how small or cute it is. It's just not a good idea.

I can see why you'd want to do it, but super-gluing a decoration to a snail's back is permanent. When the plant dies or breaks off, it might leave a scar or even damage the shell. Is the coolness factor really worth the risk and potential discomfort to the snail? To me, it's just not.