Largest snails in the world – Giant African snail

Largest snails in the world

Giant African Snail
Sometimes referred to as the Giant African Land Snail and other times known as the Giant Ghana Snail, this enormous mollusc is the largest land snail in the world.

How big can it get?
The longest recorded specimen was 35 centimetres (14 inches) in length and weighed a full kilogram. Whilst few grow to this size, it is still vastly larger than those snails native to the United Kingdom or those that are served on plates in Paris.

What does it eat?
In short, plants. Any plants. It may enjoy fruit, vegetables, and even cuttlefish, but this titan is known to dine on more than 500 different plants.

How dangerous is it?
These snails are harmless towards humans. They have become a favourite amongst pet collectors also.

How many are left?
With its ability to lay as many as 1,200 eggs per year, it isn’t disappearing anytime soon. In fact, it is considered more of a pest than anything, particularly in places like Florida where it is an invasive species and has potential to throw the ecosystem into a tailspin.

Anything else?
Whilst the Giant African Snail may be the largest on the land, the largest snail in the world lives in the sea. Syrinx Aruanus, sometimes called the Australian Trumpet, can reach almost 1 metre in length and weighs about 18 kilograms.