Giant Ghana Snail (Achatina achatina)

Achatina achatina

The Achatina achatina (Giant Ghana Snail or Tiger Snail). It is the supreme colossus of the terrestrial snail kingdom, holding the absolute world record for weight and dimensions: a mature adult specimen can reach the incredible 10-12 inches of shell and approach a kilogram of weight (almost 2.2 lbs, as big as a human forearm). In addition to its frightening bulk, it is extremely famous for the breathtaking pattern of its mighty shell: sharp, black or amber zig-zag striations on a mustard background that faithfully resemble a tiger's coat (hence the name 'Tiger Snail'). The mollusk's body is equally titanic and often of a wrinkled charcoal gray or pitch black color. Despite its majesty, it is considered an 'Expert' species (unlike fulica and marginata): the Tiger Snail is exceptionally timid, late in development (takes 3 years for maturity) and, above all, frighteningly demanding for climatic parameters, tolerating only oppressive tropical greenhouse conditions (constantly 82-86°F and 90-95% humidity), below which it stops feeding, seals itself in the shell in aestivation and perishes from prolonged starvation.