Legend has it that mystery snails were named “Mystery snails” due to the fact that there was little information available about them in the snail community.

Many facts have been discovered about them thanks to modern research. However, many mysteries remain about their origins.

Their eggs are one example of this mystery. How can one tell if they are fertile?

Let’s see what happens.

How To Tell If Mystery Snail Eggs Are Fertile?

By examining the color of mystery snail eggs, you can determine if they are fertile. Before hatching, fertile eggs become moldy. The eggs will also appear odd. Some eggs are puffier or whiter than others. This indicates that eggs are fertile.

Ways To Tell If Mystery Snail Eggs Are Fertile

• You can observe their appearance.
• Place the eggs on a piece of paper towel.
• You can smell them

By Observing Their Appearance

The eggs will turn pale pink shortly after they have been laid. They are fragile if you touch them. These eggs are only laid after 24 to 48 hours. To prevent them from breaking, be gentle with them.

After 48 hours

They will become darker in color. They will feel a little stiffer. Don’t mistake the dark colour for unhealthy eggs.

This is a good sign that eggs are developing. It will continue for two more weeks.

After Two Weeks (Tentatively)

The eggs are now close to hatching. The eggs will turn slimy again and take on a dark gray color. You will also notice irregular shapes and puffier eggs.

The eggs’ surfaces seem to be covered in white mold.

It can take between two and four weeks for mystery snail eggs to hatch. Higher temperatures will result in eggs hatching faster.

By Putting The Eggs On A Paper Towel

You can also check the eggs’ fertility by placing them on a damp towel. The infertile eggs will leave marks on the towel while the fertile ones will not.

Remember to only put eggs older than 2 weeks.

By Smelling Them

The egg clutches can smell even after they have been infertile for two weeks. They emit a pungent smell similar to rotten eggs.

The fertile eggs do not emit any odors, as opposed to infertile eggs.

How To Tell If Mystery Snail Eggs Are Infertile?

You can’t tell which egg is fertile from which one at the beginning. If the eggs remain the same color after the second week however, it is likely that they are infertile.

Infertile eggs are also uniform in size while fertile eggs grow at different rates.

You can also test the eggs by placing them on a damp towel. If eggs have stains on them, they are likely infertile. Stains are not a sign of infertility.

Many beginner hobbyists mistakenly believe that their snails are males.

It is not their fault. All of us have made this mistake at one time or another in our hobby. The hard way.

If there are no male snails in your tank, then it is obvious that the eggs will not mate. You shouldn’t expect miracles, because mystery snails can’t reproduce on their own. They can’t reproduce on their own.

This happens most often when there are only a few snails in your tank. To establish a breeding colony, you will need to collect a large number of these snails.

What To Do With Infertile Mystery Snail Eggs?

After identifying them as infertile eggs, it is best to dispose of them immediately. Infertile eggs could be a breeding ground for bacteria. This could make other tank residents sick.

Many mystery snails attach their eggs to the surface of the water, making it difficult for fish to reach them and eat them.

You can remove infertile eggs from the water and give them to other fishes. They will eat them right away.

You should think twice about putting eggs in the dumpster if you don’t have carnivorous or omnivorous fish in your aquarium.

Unhatched eggs are often late bloomers, and can easily fill your dumpster with hundreds upon hundreds of snails. You might need to reconsider before you decide how to dispose of them.

Instead, use a ziplock bag to store the eggs. It should be sealed tightly. Only then can you dispose of them.

You can also freeze the eggs by placing them in the fridge. Allow the eggs to harden for 48 hours. You can then throw them out once they have frozen completely.

What To Do With A Clutch Of Mystery Snail Eggs?

For a reason, snails are considered pests. Because they multiply quickly, it is because of this. If you allow all the eggs to hatch in the tank, you’ll have hundreds of them.

Even a skilled snail breeder can be overwhelmed by the sheer number of snails.

One clutch can produce approximately 40 snails. A single mystery snail can lay multiple clutches over the course of a year. This will ensure that the tank is outgrown by many snails.

This can also cause an ammonia spike that could crash the nitrogen cycle. There will also be less room for other tank residents.

You can only breed one or two eggs and then throw away the rest. You should inspect each one carefully and keep only the healthy ones.

How To Hatch Mystery Snail Eggs?

The humidity level should be maintained at a comfortable level. Also, keep the temperature of the terrarium between 76-82 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, make sure the clutch is not below the water level.

What Happens If Mystery Snail Eggs Falls Into The Water?

While mystery snails are able to breathe and have gills, their embryos will not have them. The unhatched eggs will die if the clutch is completely wet.

Final Words On How To Tell If Mystery Snail Eggs Are Fertile

You will most likely see snail eggs in your tank if you have an escargatoire for snails.

It’s exciting to raise your first snails. But don’t overdo it. One clutch can hold approximately 40 snails. These snails don’t stop at just one clutch.

If you allow nature to take its course, you’ll soon have too many of them, which will eventually ruin your tank’s nitrogen cycle.