Snail Name: Black Apple Snail (Pomacea bridgesii) (Apple snails are also known as Mystery snails)

Origin: South America (Brazil)

Description: Apple and Mystery snails are used interchangeably to refer to the same snail species. A distinction between Pomasea bridgesii (Brigs) and Pomacea canaliculata (Cana’s) is also in order as both are also referred to as Apple or Mystery snails. This assessment is false as Pomacea bridgesii grow to the size of a golf ball whilst Pomacea canaliculata can grow into a tennis ball sized figure. These snails are also known as Mystery snails and they come in different colors ranging from black, ivory and gold with different shell patterns. Their size varies from 4cm – 6.5cm, and the lifespan of an Apple snail averages 2-3 years.  Black Apple snails are omnivores and they do a good job of eating left over fish food. These snails mainly feed on algae and rarely eat plants unless they are dead. There are some Bridgesii snails that eat plants so one should take the opportunity to research more on the type of snails they are getting. If Pomacea bridgesii snails are not properly fed, they will start eating plants. Food supplements should include some flake food, frozen foods, and even live foods such as plankton. Please note that these snails are adventurous and might leave the tank if the lid is not tight enough to contain them. A recommendation to stop them from leaving the tank settings would be to lower the water levels a few inches.  Pomacea bridgesii snails move towards the surface to get some air, if they are submerged for longer periods of time they might suffocate.

Water Parameters:  Clean water is a must for all freshwater species. A pH of 7.0 and higher will keep these snails healthy and alive. Optimum temperatures of 21°C – 24°C will suffice. They do well in cold water but not freezing temperatures.

Sexing: Black Mystery snails are not hermaphroditic. The female is bigger than the male snail. There are other methods that require closer inspection of the species in order to identify the sex.

Breeding: They lay clutches of eggs neatly attached to each other over the waterline. The color of the eggs depends of the parents. In order for the eggs to hatch they require humid conditions of some sorts so do not let them dry completely above water level.

Compatibility: Compatible with any freshwater creatures though they are known to eat fish eggs. Do not integrate these species with any fish that are known to eat snails.