Faunus Ater Bicolor is a selectively patterned form of the Black Devil Snail, prized for its elongated, spike‑like shell in deep brown to black shades with contrasting lighter bicolor areas. This species makes an excellent functional display animal, combining efficient algae and detritus grazing with an elegant, minimalist appearance that suits both natural and designer aquascapes.​

Ideal for beginner aquarists

• Hardy parameters: This snail tolerates a broad but stable range of conditions, doing best between 22–28 °C with a pH of 7.0–8.5 in well‑filtered freshwater or low‑end brackish water, which makes it very forgiving for beginners who maintain regular water changes.​

• Non‑invasive population: Unlike pest snails, Faunus ater requires brackish conditions for successful breeding, so it will not explode in numbers in a standard freshwater tank, easing maintenance and stocking decisions.​

Aquarium role and behavior

• Natural cleaning crew: The species grazes continuously on algae films, biofilm, and detritus, helping to keep glass, rocks, and décor cleaner while reducing organic waste accumulation in the substrate.​

• Peaceful community inhabitant: Faunus Ater Bicolor is non‑aggressive and compatible with most peaceful fish, shrimp, and other invertebrates that do not prey on snails, making it suitable for community tanks and planted aquariums.​

Basic care and setup

• Tank size and layout: A minimum of 40 L (10 US gallons) is recommended, with gentle to moderate water flow and reliable filtration to keep water quality high. Provide sand or fine gravel substrate, where the snails can occasionally burrow and naturally aerate the bottom.​

• Water quality and minerals: Keep ammonia and nitrite at 0 with low nitrate levels, and ensure sufficient calcium and general hardness to support healthy shell growth; this can be achieved with mineral supplements or appropriate tap water.​

Feeding for beginners

• Primary diet: In a mature aquarium, Faunus Ater Bicolor will feed on algae, biofilm, and leftover fish food, acting as an efficient scavenger.​

• Supplemental foods: For young tanks or very clean setups, offer sinking algae wafers, quality invertebrate or shrimp pellets, and blanched vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, or cucumber to ensure consistent nutrition.​

Breeding and lifespan

• Breeding characteristics: This species has a complex life cycle with free‑swimming larvae that require brackish conditions, so breeding is unlikely in standard freshwater aquaria and is considered a specialist project.​

• Longevity: In a stable, well‑maintained aquarium with appropriate minerals and diet, Black Devil–type snails are reported to live multiple years, offering long‑term value as both display animals and cleaners.​