Research has shown that over 40,000 snail species are existing globally, including small to large-sized snails, as well as terrestrial to aquatic snails. In Nigeria, there are lots of snails that can be found on land, in freshwater and in seawater, however, land snails are the most common. In this article, we’ll be discussing the types of snails in Nigeria, with a focus on land snails. Keep on reading to learn about the types of snails in Nigeria.
The types of snails in Nigeria would be discussed below:
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Lissachatina fulica
The Lissachatina fulica is a tropical snail species In the Achatinidae family. This species of snail is large with a narrowly conical shell that can reach up to 20cm in length and 12cm in width, when fully mature. The shell of this species of snail usually varies in colour, but commonly consists of alternating bands of brown and tan. The body of the Lissachatina fulica is usually brown-grey and extends up to 30cm in length.
This snail species is commonly found in Nigeria and is also widely reared for its high nutritional value and demand as animal protein. Lissachatina fulica feeds on both living and dead plant materials. The Lissachatina fulica also has sub-species, some of which are Lissachatina fulica castanea, Lissachatina fulica coloba, Lissachatina fulica hammillei, Lissachatina fulica rodatzi, and Lissachatina fulica umbilicate.
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Cornu aspersum
Cornu aspersum also referred to as Garden Snail, is a common land snail found in Nigeria. This type of snail is enjoyed as part of food in Nigeria for its high nutritional value. At full maturity, the shell of an adult Cornu aspersum is hard and thin, reaching up to 25-40mm in diameter and 25-35mm in height. The shells of Cornu aspersum snails are always right-coiled and big enough to entirely cover the body of this snail when it retracts when inactive or feels threatened. Though the colour of the shells may differ, it is common to notice a reticulated pattern of dark brown, brownish-yellow, or chestnut with yellow stripes. It takes a year to two for a young Cornu aspersum to reach maturity.
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Achatina Achatina
This type of snail is native to West Africa, hence, it’s a common type of snail found in Nigeria. Achatina Achatina is highly nutritious and an important source of animal protein in Nigerian dishes, which is why its widely reared for commercial purposes across the country. Achatina achatina feeds on nuts, flowers, fruits, stems, and leaves. This snail is easily recognizable thanks to its distinctive shell features. The colour of the Achatina achatina shell is brown with a stripe pattern, with a fairly pointed tip. At maturity, the shells of this snail can extend to a length of 18cm with a diameter of 9cm. The body of this snail type is silver brown.
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Archachatina Marginata
This is a large-sized snail that’s originally from West Africa, and as such it’s commonly found across Nigeria. Archachatina marginata is commonly reared commercially in Nigeria for meat. This snail can weigh up to 500g at maturity and grow to a length of 21cm and 13cm in diameter. If properly taken care of, the lifespan of these snails can reach ten years.
The Archachatina marginata is one of the largest types of snails on earth, making it easier to identify. Asides from its large size, the Archachatina marginata can be identified by its unique shell feature. The apex of the shell is less pointed than other snail species and has a woven texture. Typically, the shell of Archachatina marginata is a brownish-yellow background with alternating bands that are dark brown or reddish brown. In addition, the head of this snail species is darker (usually a dark-grey colour) than other parts of the body, while the body colour varies with colours like albino, tan or ash grey. This snail species attains maturity at 9-10 months and may live for 10 years if properly taken care of. The diet of this species of snail includes plants, fruit, leaves, stems, etc.
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Limicolaria flammea
This species of snail is a medium to large air-breathing land snail in the Family of Achatinidae. On average, this snail species can grow up to 12cm in height and 3.7cm in diameter. Limicolaria is native to West Africa making it a common type of snail found in Nigeria, Ghana, and nearby regions. In Nigeria, this type of snail is relished as food and has a huge potential for commercial farming.
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Limicolaria aurora
The Limicolaria aurora is of the Family of Achatinidae and is commonly found in Nigeria and other West African countries. This type of snail can grow up to 6.5cm in height. This type of snail has a huge potential for commercial farming in Nigeria owing to the high demand for its meat and nutritional value. Snail delicacies are rich in nutrients that offer a myriad of benefits for old and young, as well as men and women. Some of the benefits of snails in the diet include the repair of dead cells, prevention of stroke, strengthening of the immune system, and improvement of skin health.
This list is in no way exhaustive, but it discusses the types of snails that are commonly seen around us, whether on the field, gardens, sidewalks, or in snail farms across Nigeria. The rearing of snails for commercial purposes is widespread due to the high demand for snails as food in Nigeria. Snail meat contains an outstanding nutrient content including selenium, protein, iron, magnesium, calcium, Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin E, and a slew of other essential minerals with proven benefits to the body. The rich protein content of snail delicacies helps with the repair of dead cells and with the body’s construction. The low-fat, low-cholesterol, and low-calorie content of snail meat further make it a highly desirable addition to one’s diet. Although adding snails to one’s diet packs lots of benefits, they must be properly cooked before consumption.