Dotted Dove Shell (Euplica scripta) – Complete Care Guide

General Information

The Dotted Dove Shell (Euplica scripta) is a small and charming marine gastropod that belongs to the family Columbellidae, commonly referred to as dove snails. This species is named for its intricate shell pattern, which features a creamy white base adorned with fine brown dots and lines, resembling a delicate script. Its compact size and attractive appearance make it a delightful addition to nano and reef aquariums.

While not as widely recognized as some other marine invertebrates, the Dotted Dove Shell plays an important role in maintaining the cleanliness of its environment. Its natural scavenging behavior helps control detritus and algae, making it a functional and aesthetically pleasing member of a clean-up crew.

Care

The Dotted Dove Shell is relatively easy to care for, making it suitable for aquarists of all experience levels. It thrives in well-established aquariums with stable water parameters and plenty of live rock or substrate to explore. These snails are highly adaptable and can tolerate a range of conditions, provided they are not exposed to sudden fluctuations in water quality.

To ensure their well-being, avoid housing them with aggressive tank mates that may prey on small invertebrates. They are peaceful creatures and do not pose any threat to other tank inhabitants, making them ideal for community tanks.

Diet and Feeding

As natural scavengers, Dotted Dove Shells feed on detritus, algae, and leftover food particles. They are excellent at cleaning up uneaten food and biofilm, contributing to the overall health of the aquarium. While they can sustain themselves on what they find in a well-maintained tank, supplemental feeding with algae wafers or finely crushed fish food can be provided if necessary.

Feed sparingly, as overfeeding can lead to water quality issues. Their small size means they require only minimal amounts of food to thrive.

Behavior and Compatibility

Dotted Dove Shells are peaceful and non-aggressive, making them compatible with a wide range of tank mates. They are particularly well-suited for reef tanks, as they do not harm corals or other invertebrates. Their small size and gentle nature allow them to coexist harmoniously with other members of the clean-up crew, such as hermit crabs and other snails.

These snails are primarily nocturnal and are most active during the evening and night, when they emerge to forage. During the day, they often hide among live rock or within the substrate, blending seamlessly into their surroundings.

Reproduction

In captivity, the reproduction of Dotted Dove Shells is rare but not impossible. They are dioecious, meaning individuals are either male or female. Breeding typically occurs in stable, mature aquariums with optimal water conditions. The female lays small egg capsules, which hatch into free-swimming larvae. These larvae are planktonic and require specific conditions to survive, making successful rearing challenging for most hobbyists.

Habitat

The Dotted Dove Shell is naturally found in shallow tropical and subtropical waters, often inhabiting sandy or rocky substrates near coral reefs. Its distribution spans the Indo-Pacific region, including areas such as the Philippines, Indonesia, and the Great Barrier Reef. In the wild, these snails play a vital role in the ecosystem by recycling organic material and controlling algae growth.

To replicate their natural habitat in captivity, provide a tank with fine sand or crushed coral substrate and plenty of live rock for grazing and shelter. Moderate water flow and stable parameters will help mimic the conditions of their native environment.

Common name: Dotted Dove Shell