Description
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 fish. 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.
