Trapdoor Snail care guide
Trapdoor Snail (Cipangopaludina chinensis) — minimum tank 40 L, temperature 4-28 °C, pH 6.5-8.5.
Overview
The Trapdoor Snail (Cipangopaludina chinensis, also marketed as Japanese Trapdoor Snail) is a large livebearing pond snail in the family Viviparidae. The name refers to the operculum — a hard plate the snail uses to seal its shell when threatened or during cold weather.
Taxonomy
- Family: Viviparidae
- Genus: Cipangopaludina
- Scientific name: Cipangopaludina chinensis
- Common synonyms: Japanese Trapdoor, Viviparid Snail
Habitat
Native to slow-moving rivers, ponds and rice paddies of East Asia. The species is highly tolerant of cold and is widely used in outdoor garden ponds in temperate climates. Established invasive populations exist in North America.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 40 L (10.6 US gal)
- Adult size: 4-6 cm
- Temperature: 4-28 °C (39-82 °F)
- pH: 6.5-8.5
- GH: 8-20 °dGH
- KH: 4-14 °dKH
- Lifespan: 4-5 years
Diet
A detritivore that grazes on biofilm, soft algae, decaying vegetation and uneaten food. The snail does not damage healthy live plants, making it suitable for planted tanks and ponds.
Compatibility
Peaceful and plant-safe. Compatible with coldwater fish such as goldfish and with most tropical community species. Avoid loaches, pufferfish and the Assassin Snail, all of which will prey on it.
Breeding
Livebearing — females release one to several well-developed juveniles at a time. Reproduction is slow and steady; populations rarely explode, unlike many other aquarium snails.