Breeding the Bladder Snail

Physella acuta is a simultaneous hermaphrodite that can self-fertilize and lays 50-100 eggs per week in gelatinous sacs, making it extremely prolific in aquaria.

Overview

Physella acuta, the acute bladder snail, is a small, prolific freshwater snail. It reproduces year-round and a single introduced individual is enough to establish a population, which is why it spreads so readily in aquaria.

Reproduction Mode

P. acuta is a simultaneous hermaphrodite with functioning male and female organs at the same time. It is self-compatible, reproducing by outcrossing with other individuals or by self-fertilization. In natural populations outcrossing predominates, but self-fertilization accounts for between 10 and 30 percent of reproduction and increases when mates are scarce.

Egg-laying & Young

Mature adults lay 50-100 eggs per week, deposited in elongate gelatinous sacs attached to rock, compacted mud, or the shells of other individuals. Eggs hatch after 15-20 days. Snails reach maturity in about 5-7 weeks when outcrossing, or around 14 weeks when self-fertilizing.

Population Control

Rapid reproduction in aquaria is driven mainly by an oversupply of food, particularly from overfeeding fish and shrimp. Reducing surplus food limits population growth. Recorded laboratory lifespans are approximately 22-30 weeks, with one report of an individual surviving 88 weeks.