General Information

Habitat Requirements

The tulotoma snail is restricted to cool, well-oxygenated, clean free-flowing waters of the Coosa River mainstem, the lower reaches of larger tributaries to the Coosa River, and the Alabama River (Christman et al. 1995; DeVries et al. 2003; Garner-ADCNR in litt. 2006 and 2008). Optimum habitat is characterized by a substrate with roughness values greater than 2, boulder densities greater than 2 per square meter (m2), rocks of different sizes and currents fast enough to prevent the accumulation of silt. It is also believed that the availability of cracks and crevices in the bedrock and/or boulders may help protect the species from predation (Christman et al. 1995).

Reproductive Strategy

Tulotoma are live born during the months of May-July, and at sizes of about 3-5 mm height at the last whorl (Christman et al. 1995). They grow rapidly during their first year reaching sizes of 11 to 14 mm. Females become reproductively active during the spring/summer of their second year, producing an average of 16 offspring per year. Females that live beyond their second year grow more slowly, and produce an average of 28 offspring per year. Christman et al. (1995) found that few tulotoma survived longer than 2 years in the lower Coosa River.