Nobody likes to face the disappointment of a failed mystery snail reproduction attempt, especially if it’s your first time hatching them.
While mystery snail eggs can be pretty resilient and last up to several weeks before they hatch, they can sometimes die off before they have the chance to do so.
If you think your mystery snail eggs may be dead, there are a few ways you can tell.
How To Spot Dead Mystery Snail Eggs
The most common way to tell if your mystery snail eggs have died is to look for changes in the eggs’ appearance.
In healthy, viable eggs, you should be able to see the tiny embryo developing inside through its translucent shell.
Over time, the embryo should become more visible and grow larger over time as it fertilizes and develops into a healthy baby snail.
However, if you notice that the embryo has become discolored or its features are fading away, then it’s likely that the egg has died.
Additionally, if you notice any fungal growth on the egg or that it has become soft or moldy, then it is likely that the egg is dead.
Another way to tell if mystery snail eggs are dead is to check for freshness. Fresh eggs will have a firmer texture and feel more slippery than those in the tank.
If you find that the eggs feel very dry and leathery, then they are probably dead and should be removed from the tank as soon as possible.
Additionally, if the eggs have been left in the water for too long, they may begin to turn white or grayish in color and will no longer appear transparent.
When Should I Check For Mystery Snail Egg Death?
If you suspect your mystery snail eggs may not be viable due to their appearance or freshness, then it’s best to remove them from the tank right away.
This is because dead eggs can often cause fungal growth in the tank and can even spread to other areas of your home if they are left behind.
That said, if you want to make sure that all of your eggs are still alive and kicking, then it’s best to take a look at them every few days just to make sure they are still healthy and viable.
What To Do With Dead Mystery Snail Eggs?
Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do with dead mystery snail eggs once you’ve identified them as such.
The best thing you can do is simply remove them from the tank to avoid any potential harm to your snails or other animals in the tank.
You can also set up a separate tank for dead snails and their eggs as a way of keeping them separate from your live snail population until disposal day.
Conclusion
Figuring out whether or not your mystery snail eggs are still alive can sometimes be tricky, but by examining them for changes in their appearance or freshness, you should be able to get a good sense of whether or not they’re viable.
If you find that some of your eggs have died, then it’s important to take them out of the tank and set up a separate container for disposal day.
That way, you can avoid any potential harm to your live snails and keep your tank happy!
