Profile Photo
Maximum size : 15 cm
Apple Snail - Pomacea bridgesii, Pomacea canaliculata, Pomacea diffusa, Pomacea haustrum, Pomacea paludosa, Pomacea maculata : Complete Snail Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
Apple Snails (Pomacea sp.) are a fascinating addition to any home aquarium. These snails are much larger than the typical freshwater snail, making them an attractive and unique addition to any tank. Not only are they visually appealing, but they also serve a vital role as scavengers and are often included as a part of a tank's cleanup crew. Apple Snails help keep tanks clean by feeding on detritus and algae. One of the most interesting aspects of Apple Snails is their unique respiratory system. They have both a lung and a gill, which separates their mantle cavity into two respiratory structures. This unique anatomical adaptation enables them to live both in water and on land, making them amphibious creatures. As they can grow quite large, it is advisable to keep Apple Snails in large aquariums where they have enough space to graze. However, you must be aware that they will eat live plants, so they may not be suitable for planted tanks unless you provide them with plenty of supplemental food. Apple Snails come in a range of different colours, from pale olive to dark green, golden, blue, purple, pink, jade, albino, yellowish-tan, brown, and even black. They also have a variety of shell shapes, sizes and patterns, from thick bands to dark spots and stripes.Apple Snail Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Accurately identifying the gender of Apple snails can be quite challenging unless one has substantial experience and knowledge. However, there is a technique that may be used to differentiate between male and female individuals. By gently inverting the snail in your palm, you can observe the region near the gills inside the shell. Males typically possess a penial complex in this area, whereas females do not. This brief opportunity to glimpse the snail's anatomy can provide useful information to breeders or hobbyists looking to create balanced populations in their tanks.Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Pomacea bridgesii, Pomacea canaliculata, Pomacea diffusa, Pomacea haustrum, Pomacea paludosa, Pomacea maculata |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1824 |
| Other Names | Spike-topped Apple Snail, Golden Apple Snail, Florida Apple Snail, Island Apple Snail, Titan Apple Snail, Channelled Apple Snail |
| Classification | Gastropoda |
| Order | Architaenioglossa |
| Family | Ampullariidae |
| Genus | Pomacea |
| Origins | USA |
| Max Size | 15 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | All Levels |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | N/A |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Layer |
| Lifespan | 1 - 3 years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| PH | 6.5 - 8.0 |
| GH | 6 - 12 |
| KH | |
| TDS |
| ℉ | 65 - 82 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 18.3 - 27.8 |
