Great Pond Snail care guide
Great Pond Snail (Lymnaea stagnalis) — minimum tank 30 L, temperature 4-26 °C, pH 6.5-8.5.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
The Great Pond Snail (Lymnaea stagnalis) is a large pulmonate snail with a tall conical shell. It is widespread across temperate Europe, Asia and North America and is widely used in research because of its exceptionally large neurons.
Taxonomy
- Family: Lymnaeidae
- Genus: Lymnaea
- Scientific name: Lymnaea stagnalis
- Common synonyms: Stagnalis, European Pond Snail
Habitat
Inhabits ponds, slow rivers, ditches and shallow lake margins across the Holarctic region. The species is cold-tolerant and active in seasonally cool waters as well as warm summer ponds.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 30 L (7.9 US gal)
- Adult size: 4-7 cm
- Temperature: 4-26 °C (39-79 °F)
- pH: 6.5-8.5
- GH: 6-20 °dGH
- KH: 4-14 °dKH
- Lifespan: 1-3 years
Diet
A generalist herbivore that grazes on aquatic plants, algae and decaying vegetation. In planted aquariums Lymnaea stagnalis can damage soft-leaved species, so it is usually considered a pest in display tanks.
Compatibility
Peaceful toward fish but generally unsuitable for planted display tanks. Best housed with coldwater fish or hardy community species in tanks without delicate plants. Avoid pufferfish, which will predate on the snails.
Breeding
Hermaphroditic egg-layer. Gelatinous egg ribbons are attached to plants and hardscape; populations can rise quickly in nutrient-rich tanks. Limiting food availability is the most effective control.
Great Pond Snail (Lymnaea stagnalis) Breeding Guide
Overview
Lymnaea stagnalis is a large pulmonate pond snail of the family Lymnaeidae, with a tall conical shell 45 to 60 mm high bearing 4.5 to 6 weakly convex whorls. It is found across the temperate zones of North America, Europe and Asia, reaching northern Norway and montane sites up to 1,700 metres, and feeds on plant matter and algae.
Sexing
The species is a simultaneous hermaphrodite that can mate in either the male or the female role, but performs only one role per copulation. It shows a Coolidge effect, performing more inseminations in larger groups and preferring novel over familiar partners, so group keeping encourages reproduction.
Egg-laying / Reproduction
Eggs are deposited in gelatinous egg masses attached underwater to aquatic plants and other firm surfaces. Because the species is cold-tolerant and a hardy generalist, it breeds readily under aquarium conditions without an air gap, since reproduction takes place fully submerged.
Juvenile Care
Juveniles hatch directly from the gelatinous masses as miniature snails and graze immediately on algae and plant matter, requiring no special care. The species functions as an aquarium cleaner, consuming algae and organic debris, though it also eats soft plants.