Japanese Trapdoor Snail (Cipangopaludina japonica) Care Guide

A large, peaceful snail with a round operculum (trapdoor) that seals its shell for protection. Excellent algae and detritus eater that does not reproduce rapidly like pest snails, as it is a live-bear…

Overview

Cipangopaludina japonica is a species in the family Viviparidae. A large, peaceful snail with a round operculum (trapdoor) that seals its shell for protection. Excellent algae and detritus eater that does not reproduce rapidly like pest snails, as it is a live-bearer producing only a few young at a time.

Taxonomy

Family: Viviparidae
Genus: Cipangopaludina
Scientific name: Cipangopaludina japonica
Other names: Trapdoor Snail, Viviparus Snail
Origin: East Asia, Japan

Habitat

Native to still and slow-moving fresh waters of East Asia, including Japan. A livebearing operculate snail that seals its shell with a "trapdoor"; it grazes algae, biofilm and detritus and tolerates cool temperatures.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 40 L
Temperature: 18-26 °C
pH: 6.8-8
GH: 5-18 °dGH
Water flow: low
Adult size: 3-6 cm
Lifespan: 3-5 years
Difficulty: beginner

Diet

Classified as detritivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 1x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: peaceful
Position in tank: bottom
Compatible tank mates: Goldfish, White Cloud Minnow, Cherry Shrimp, Corydoras
Avoid with: Assassin Snail, Clown Loach, Puffer Fish

Breeding

Breeding strategy: live-bearer
Breeding difficulty: beginner