Channeled Apple Snail care guide
Channeled Apple Snail (Pomacea canaliculata) — minimum tank 60 L, temperature 18-28 °C, pH 7-8.5.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Channeled Apple Snail (Pomacea canaliculata) is an apple snail of the family Ampullariidae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as a beginner-level species. Highly invasive apple snail — voraciously eats all aquarium plants and is banned in EU and several countries. Often mis-sold as Mystery Snail; check the spire shape (deep channels around whorls). Avoid keeping unless permitted locally.
Taxonomy
- Family: Ampullariidae
- Genus: Pomacea
- Scientific name: Pomacea canaliculata
- Common synonyms: Channeled Apple Snail, Golden Apple Snail (incorrect trade name)
Habitat
Apple snails (family Ampullariidae) are large freshwater gastropods of the tropics, possessing both a gill and a lung that lets them breathe air. Several South American species are aggressive plant grazers and have become serious invasive pests outside their native range. In the Aquairi knowledge base this species is recorded from South America.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 60 L (15.9 US gal)
- Adult size: 5-8 cm
- Temperature: 18-28 °C (64-82 °F)
- pH: 7-8.5
- GH: 8-18 °dGH
- KH: 4-12 °dKH
- Lifespan: 2-4 years
Diet
The species is a herbivore, grazing algae, biofilm and decaying matter from surfaces and substrate; in aquaria its diet is supplemented with algae wafers and blanched vegetables when natural growth is scarce.
Compatibility
The Aquairi knowledge base lists this species as peaceful. Suitable tank mates include Hardy fish in species tank. It should be kept away from Planted tanks, Loaches, Pufferfish. It grazes and may damage soft aquarium plants, so it is best suited to hardscape or species tanks.
Breeding
Reproduction is egg-laying, and aquarium breeding is rated easy.
Channeled Apple Snail (Pomacea canaliculata) Breeding Guide
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.