Care specifications
| Type | Snail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Max size | 2 in |
| Lifespan | 1–2 years |
| Temperature | 68–82 °F |
| pH | 7–8.2 |
| General hardness | 8–18 dGH |
| Calcium needs | High |
| Minimum tank size | 10 gallons |
| Diet | Algae, Biofilm, Leftover fish food, Blanched vegetables, Algae wafers |
| Roles | Scavenger, Algae eater, Showpiece |
| Plant safe | Yes |
| Betta compatible | With caution |
| Breeds in freshwater | Yes |
| Population growth | Slow |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
Get Mystery Snail
Frequently asked questions
Will mystery snails eat my plants?
No — Pomacea bridgesii physically cannot eat healthy plant tissue, which is what separates it from its plant-shredding apple snail cousins. It will rasp algae and decaying leaves off plants, which usually makes them look better, not worse. If a plant disappears overnight, it was already dying.
Will my mystery snail overrun the tank with babies?
Only if you let it. Females lay a pink cocoon-like egg clutch above the waterline, so eggs are easy to spot and remove before they hatch. You also need both a male and a female — a single snail will never reproduce, though a lone female can store sperm for months after purchase.
Why is my mystery snail's shell pitting or turning white?
Soft or acidic water is dissolving the shell. Keep pH at 7.0 or above and GH at 8 dGH or more, and supplement calcium with cuttlebone or calcium-rich foods. Existing pits never heal, but new shell growth at the opening will come in solid once the water is fixed.
Mystery Snail appears in
Plants that pair well with Mystery Snail
Planting the same tank?
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