Lissachatina fulica
Giant African Land Snail
Giant African land snails are calm, long-lived invertebrates popular for classroom and hobbyist keeping, but they are illegal in many places because of the serious agricultural and health risks they pose if released.
AchatinidaeLifespan 5–10 yearsCare complexity 2/5Suitable for beginners
At a glance
- Scientific name
- Lissachatina fulica
- Family
- Achatinidae
- Origin
- East Africa, now widespread as an invasive species elsewhere
- Lifespan
- 5–10 years
- Adult size
- Shell up to 20 cm long
- Weight
- Up to 500 g
- Temperament
- Placid and slow; tolerates gentle handling well
- Activity level
- Low; most active at night and after misting
- Social needs
- Low, though can be kept in small groups if space allows
- Intelligence
- Simple, but shows learned orientation toward food and shelter
- Noise
- Silent
Housing and environment
- Housing
- Ventilated tank at least 45 x 30 x 30 cm with 8–10 cm of damp coir or soil substrate
- Space requirement
- Floor area with climbing décor and a secure, well-ventilated lid
- Temperature
- 22–28°C
- Humidity
- 70–90%, maintained with regular misting
- Exercise
- Floor space to roam and climb enclosure furnishings
- Grooming
- Not applicable; shell should be kept free of substrate buildup
Diet and feeding
Leafy greens, vegetables, cuttlebone or another calcium source, and occasional fruit
Behaviour and compatibility
Nocturnal foraging, burrowing during the day, extending its body fully when active
- With children
- Good introductory pet for supervised gentle handling, with hand-washing afterward
- With other animals
- Keep away from other pets that might prey on or stress it
- Training difficulty
- Not applicable
Health
- Shell damage from falls or rough handling
- Dehydration in low humidity
- Parasite transmission risk to humans if handled without hygiene
No veterinary services exist for this species; prevention through hygiene and stable humidity is essential
Special care requirements
Always wash hands thoroughly after handling, since the species can carry a parasite that affects humans