Mystery Snail (Pomacea bridgesii)
Peaceful Freshwater Snail – Nature’s Little Tank Cleaner
Add beauty and functionality to your aquarium with the Mystery Snail, one of the most popular and easy-to-care-for freshwater snails in the hobby. These peaceful invertebrates are known for their attractive, smooth shells and algae-eating habits, making them both decorative and practical additions to freshwater aquariums.
Mystery Snails come in a variety of striking colors including gold, blue, ivory, magenta, purple, and jade, allowing you to add a touch of personality to your tank.
Quick Facts:
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Scientific Name: Pomacea bridgesii
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Common Name: Mystery Snail, Apple Snail
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Origin: South America (Amazon River Basin)
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Size: Up to 2 inches (5 cm)
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Lifespan: 1–2 years
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Temperament: Peaceful
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Swimming Level: Bottom and glass surfaces
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 68–82°F (20–28°C)
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pH: 7.0–8.0 (avoid acidic conditions)
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Hardness: Moderate to high (important for shell health)
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Tank Size: 5+ gallons per snail recommended
Tank Setup Tips:
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Provide calcium-rich water or cuttlebone to support healthy shell development
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Avoid copper-based medications – toxic to snails
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Gentle filtration and secure lids (they may explore above the waterline)
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Compatible with most community fish and shrimp
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Great for planted tanks (won’t harm healthy plants)
Diet:
Mystery Snails are omnivorous scavengers. While they eat leftover food and soft algae, they should be offered a varied diet including:
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Algae wafers
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Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, cucumber)
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Calcium-rich pellets or snail food
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Fish food leftovers
They do not eat healthy live plants but will consume decaying plant matter.
Breeding Information:
Mystery Snails are gonochoristic (male and female). Females lay large, bubblegum-like clutches of eggs above the waterline. If you don’t want them to hatch, simply remove the clutch. They are egg layers, not livebearers.
Why Choose a Mystery Snail?
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Keeps tanks clean by eating algae and debris
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Comes in a variety of beautiful shell colors
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Peaceful and easy to care for – great for beginners
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Safe for most fish, shrimp, and planted tanks
Color Availability (Varies by Stock):
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Gold
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Blue
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Ivory (White)
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Magenta
Note: Mystery Snails are shipped at approximately 0.75–1.25 inches and may grow quickly under good conditions.
