Giant African Land Snail in Razgrad Weighs Half a Kilogram
Ganchu, a giant African land snail living in Razgrad, weighs half a kilo on the scale, bgdnes.bg reported. The shell-dwelling pet occupies the entire palm of its owner, Pavlina Atanasova, who shares her home with three other slimy giants. Atanasova discovered the unusual mollusks at an exhibition in Razgrad four years ago and acquired her first specimens through a friend two years later.
The household’s snail population has since grown to four residents. Atanasova notes that the mollusks remain active primarily after dark and behave in a friendly manner. Evening activities begin following the evening news broadcast, when the group crawls out to interact and search for food.
Menu and Bathing Routine for the Razgrad Giants
The snails maintain a diverse diet consisting of cucumbers, pumpkins, marrows, lettuce, and boiled eggs. To maintain shell strength, Atanasova feeds them cuttlebone and eggshells. Water routines serve as a major attraction for the pets. Atanasova stated that the group enjoys bathing under the tap, stepping out of their shells voluntarily to stand directly beneath the running water and allowing body petting without retreating.
Despite their heavy weight and large size, the animals remain completely harmless and do not bite. A specialized anatomical feature known as a radula serves as their tongue. This organ contains hundreds of microscopic teeth designed to scrape, break down, and capture food items.
Reproduction requires strict monitoring by the owner. A single snail can produce approximately 100 eggs at a time across multiple cycles. An inquisitive cat named Vafla, named for its sweet nature, frequently lies on top of the aquarium to watch the snails.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ganchu and Company
How did Pavlina Atanasova acquire her giant snails?
Atanasova first encountered the exotic mollusks at an exhibition in Razgrad four years ago. A friend supplied her with the exotic pets two years afterward, establishing the current four-member group.
What specific foods do the giant snails eat?
The pets consume cucumbers, pumpkins, zucchinis, lettuce, and boiled eggs. Their diet also includes eggshells and cuttlebone to support shell durability.
How do the snails interact during bath time?
The mollusks leave their shells voluntarily to stand under the running tap water. They tolerate being petted on their bodies without hiding inside their shells during the process.