Mystery Snail care guide
Mystery Snail (Pomacea bridgesii) — minimum tank 40 L, temperature 18-28 °C, pH 7-8.5.
Overview
The Mystery Snail (Pomacea bridgesii, also published as Pomacea diffusa) is a large freshwater apple snail from the Amazon basin. It is the plant-safe apple snail in trade and should not be confused with the invasive plant-eating Pomacea canaliculata. Captive colour morphs include gold, blue, ivory, black, magenta and jade.
Taxonomy
- Family: Ampullariidae
- Genus: Pomacea
- Scientific name: Pomacea bridgesii
- Common synonyms: Spike-Topped Apple Snail, Pomacea diffusa
Habitat
Native to slow-moving rivers, oxbow lakes and flooded forests of the Amazon basin. The species breathes atmospheric air through a siphon and can survive temporary drying by sealing the operculum.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 40 L (10.6 US gal)
- Adult size: 4-6 cm
- Temperature: 18-28 °C (64-82 °F)
- pH: 7-8.5
- GH: 8-18 °dGH
- KH: 4-12 °dKH
- Lifespan: 1-3 years
Diet
A scavenger that feeds on detritus, biofilm, soft algae, decaying vegetation and uneaten fish food. Supplement with sinking pellets, blanched vegetables and calcium sources (cuttlebone) to support the large shell.
Compatibility
Peaceful and plant-safe in the great majority of planted tanks. Suitable tankmates are calm community fish (tetras, rasboras, Corydoras) and dwarf shrimp. Avoid loaches, pufferfish, crayfish and the predatory Assassin Snail.
Breeding
Distinctive: females climb above the waterline and deposit a hard pink clutch of eggs on the cover glass. Allow a 5-7 cm air gap above the water. Clutches are easily removed if breeding is not desired.