Apple snails

[pearllady]

Has any one heard of Apple snails being illegal in California? :confused: This kid at Pet Barn told me that and I haven't seen any at the other local fish stores. :huh:

[TheMightyQueenPixie]

"Apple snails" include a few different species..The Genus "Pomacea" includes a few aquarium favorites including Bridgesii and Cananiculata...Bridgesii is commonly refered to as a "mystery snail" and the Canas "apple snails"..However alot of loose language and mis-identification has led to some confusion with both keepers and retailers...

Pomacea bridgesii is a harmless snail, that doesnt mass produce and wont eat your planted tanks...Pomacea Cananiculata is a giant, easily as large as a tennis ball and can get as big as a baseball...It will devour a planted tank in a few days... Canas are considered an invasive species because of people letting them go in the wild...They could potentially devestate crops, however it takes both a male and a female to have fertilize eggs...The transport of Canas is illegal across state lines and outright banned in some states...

Here is a pic of one of my Canas- She is as big as a tennis ball and still growing... http://pic17.picturetrail.com/VOL836/4050065/8852932/121525334.jpg

Here she is eating a green bean AND a piece of zuccini...Did I mention their huge appetites :) http://pic17.picturetrail.com/VOL836/4050065/8852932/121829417.jpg

[budrecki]

are large apple snails ok to mix with small ( 4inch) clown loaches?

[TheMightyQueenPixie]

No...Any fish that is going to harass a snail is not a good plan...Even if they cant take them in one bite, they will damage their feelie dealies and eye stocks...