Indian Babylon — Babylonia zeylanica

Carnivorous sand-burrowing whelk. Not an algae eater.

Quick facts

• Size: 5–7 cm shell length

• Temperament: Peaceful but predatory

• Reef-safe: With corals; may eat small snails, worms, clams

• Role: Meaty-waste scavenger, light sand stirrer

• Care level: Moderate

Aquarium requirements

• Tank: ≥ 80 l, mature system with steady nutrients.

• Substrate: Fine sand 3–5 cm for burrowing.

• Water: pH 8.1–8.4, salinity 1.025–1.026, temp 24–26 °C; NH3/NO2 0, NO3 <20 ppm.

• Flow: Low–moderate over the sand; guard pump intakes.

Diet

• Feeding: 3–5× per week in “clean” tanks.

• Foods: Small meaty items (mysis, chopped shrimp/clam/fish) and sinking carnivore pellets. Target feed near the snail after lights out.

Behavior and compatibility

• Buries by day, forages at night.

• Safe with corals and most fish.

• May prey on tiny snails, tube worms, and ornamental bivalves. Avoid with Tridacna clams.

Acclimation and care

• Drip acclimate 45–60 min; match salinity closely.

• Do not expose to copper medications.

• Provide stable salinity and good oxygenation. Stressed snails may remain buried for days.

Notes

• Not a detritivore for algae or film. Add true herbivores if algae control is the goal.

• Keep singly or in a small group only if food is ample to prevent starvation.