Mystery Snail care guide
Mystery Snail (Pomacea bridgesii) — minimum tank 30 L, temperature 20-28 °C, pH 7-8.
Overview
The Mystery Snail (Pomacea bridgesii, also referred to as Pomacea diffusa) is a large freshwater apple snail from South America, prized in aquaria for vivid colour morphs (gold, blue, ivory, black, magenta) and a placid, non-destructive feeding habit. Unlike its close relative Pomacea canaliculata, this species does not damage healthy live plants.
Taxonomy
- Family: Ampullariidae
- Genus: Pomacea
- Scientific name: Pomacea bridgesii
- Common synonyms: Apple Snail
Habitat
Native to the Amazon basin and adjacent river systems of Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, Paraguay and Uruguay. Inhabits slow waters, swamps and ponds with abundant vegetation; uses a lung-like respiratory chamber and an integumentary siphon to breathe atmospheric air at the surface.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 30 L (7.9 US gal)
- Adult size: 4-6 cm
- Temperature: 20-28 °C (68-82 °F)
- pH: 7-8
- GH: 6-18 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Lifespan: 1-3 years
Diet
An omnivorous scavenger feeding on decaying plant material, biofilm, soft algae and leftover food. In aquaria sinking algae wafers, blanched vegetables (zucchini, cucumber, spinach) and occasional protein supplements (shrimp pellets) maintain growth and shell condition; calcium supplementation supports the calcareous shell.
Compatibility
Peaceful and compatible with most community tank mates. Avoid pufferfish, large cichlids, loaches and crayfish that prey on snails. Multiple individuals can be kept together; sustained reproduction requires both sexes (the species is gonochoristic, not hermaphroditic).
Breeding
Lays distinctive pink-to-orange egg clutches above the waterline. Eggs hatch in about 2-4 weeks; juveniles drop into the water and immediately begin grazing. Sustained pH below 7.0 may dissolve shells; supplemental calcium and stable parameters support healthy growth.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: not formally assessed for this species. The closely related Pomacea canaliculata is recognised as one of the world's worst invasive species, and release of any Pomacea into wild waters should be strictly avoided.