I just got a golden mystery snail about a month ago, and ever since then I've been wondering if it was a male or female. I first heard that snails had both organs, but then I looked more into it and apparently that's a different kind of snail and not the apple/mystery snails. I looked around before online about how to tell it's sex, but my snail will not cooperate and I can't see up its shell far enough to see what it has. So I was wondering if there was another way to tell? Do the females lay eggs when they're alone in the tank or something? I just really want to know what it is. >.< Thanks!
A simple snail question
- Thread starter Sawah
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welcome to AC! You're right that your Mystery Snail is gendered and not a hermaphrodite. It might be difficult to sex them when they are juvies or younger but mature males will have a penis sheath and this guide might help you to tell if your critter is a guy or gal. How to Sex Your Apple Snails
oh and females need a male to fertilize their eggs but mature females will still lay infertile clutches as part of their normal reproductive cycle. That said, they can store sperm for months, so who knows 
Oh okay. So once my snail gets a little older..if I still can't see something up in the shell if it starts laying eggs it's a girl. lol I'm sure that will be fun.
They are a wonderful addition to a tank! Don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions as there are many invert junkies at this forum
Lupin
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- Sep 21, 2006
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I owe it all to Rach for persuading me. I just bought the 9th tank and soon to be the 6th snail tank.:headbang2:
I just bought the 9th tank and soon to be the 6th snail tank.:headbang2: