Great Pond Snail care guide
Great Pond Snail (Lymnaea stagnalis) — minimum tank 30 L, temperature 4-26 °C, pH 6.5-8.5.
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.