When a water snail dies, its body undergoes changes that often result in it separating from its shell.
The Process After Death
According to information from September 25, 2021, once a water snail dies:
- They usually basically fall out of their shell.
- Their body tends to shrink away from the shell.
This natural decay process leads to the body detaching from the shell, which is the hard, protective outer layer the snail lives in.
Handling the Shell
If you find a dead water snail and wish to keep the shell, there are ways to clean it after the body has fallen out or shrunk away:
- You can leave the shell outside for a few days.
- Allow insects and other small organisms to help clean out any remaining organic material.
- After the shell is cleaned by nature, it's recommended to boil it before keeping it.
This process ensures the shell is free of decaying matter and sanitized for collection. The empty shell remains as a durable structure made primarily of calcium carbonate.
