View Full Version : mystery snail advice
chrizza92
08-19-2008, 3:13 AM
Hi.
I would like to know how big these snails can grow. and will it eat all my live plants and if they do is there anyway to stop them doing that
FluffynTex
08-19-2008, 6:57 AM
Hi.
I would like to know how big these snails can grow. and will it eat all my live plants and if they do is there anyway to stop them doing that
They get about the size of a golfball, don't eat live plants (with the exception of Duckweed) but do eat decaying plants. If you google mystery snail or Pomacea bridgesii you can find all kinds of interesting info about them.
http://www.aquarticles.com/articles/breeding/Lang_Apple_Snails.html
They come in several beautiful colors and are very interesting to watch.
There are other species that DO eat plants so care should be taken to ensure you buy the correct ones....Some species, such as Pomacea canaliculata get much bigger and they can consume all the plants in an aquarium almost overnight.
msjinkzd
08-19-2008, 7:55 AM
Yup, mystery snails are most often Pomacea bridgesii...I keep mine in heavily planted tanks with no issues whatsoever (I wish they would eat my duckweed, sigh). They require a calcium rich diet in order to preserve their shell health (veggies are good, there is sticky with some recipes and a list of the calcium content of different veggies). They have a big bioload for their size and its best to account 2.5g of tank space per adult snail. They do best in a tank wiht higher pH, preferably well over 7 in order to prevent erosion of their established shell. They are super cool and very fun!
FluffynTex
08-19-2008, 9:04 AM
(I wish they would eat my duckweed, sigh)!
Mine go to town on it hehe but it grows so fast I never miss what they eat lol.
chrizza92
08-20-2008, 2:48 AM
thanks for all the helpfull advice im glad i found this forum :)
is there anyway of telling if there male or female?
Some species, such as Pomacea canaliculata get much bigger and they can consume all the plants in an aquarium almost overnight.
How true.;)
Flaringshutter
08-20-2008, 10:16 AM
Yes in fact - here's a great photo guide that I always recommend. You may have to wait a while before the snail you're holding will open up enough for you to see their genitalia. You can also try holding them underwater in your tank and seeing if they will open up then.
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v113/terribryant/Sex%20of%20your%20snail/