Channeled Apple Snail (Pomacea canaliculata) Breeding Guide

Pomacea canaliculata has separate sexes and lays bright pink egg clutches above the water. It is among the world's worst invasive species and is restricted in the EU.

Overview

Pomacea canaliculata is an apple snail of the family Ampullariidae, often mis-sold as a mystery snail. It is extremely polyphagous, feeding on living plants, detritus and animal matter, which makes it destructive in planted systems.

Sexing

The species reproduces sexually, with adult females depositing eggs on emergent surfaces. External sexing is difficult, so the presence of clutches is the practical confirmation that both sexes are present.

Egg-laying / Reproduction

Females oviposit on emergent vegetation, rocks and manmade surfaces above freshwater. The clutches are bright pink or orange and fade over time, and the eggs hatch in approximately two weeks. In temperate zones egg-laying runs from early spring to early fall, while in the tropics it is continuous.

Juvenile Care

Young snails feed on algae and detritus, and once they reach about 15 millimetres they shift toward consuming higher plants. Because of the species' invasive status, juveniles must never be released and surplus stock should be disposed of responsibly.