question about apple/mystery snails

[janetdc1]

Okay- forgive me everyone- but, I seem to be reading conflicting info-
Is a "mystery snail" the same as an "apple snail"? I have read that apple snails can grow to the size of a golf ball-does this mean my blue "mystery snail" could get that big? Or, is the "mystery snail" different? I have read they are the same, but I have also read that one is a variation of the other- so-I figure this is the place to find out.
thanks in advance.
Janet- who has a really pretty nickel size blue mystery and a not quite quarter size ivory, ....
and a really cute little spixi and a giant ramshorn-

 

[msjinkzd]

Mystery snails are most often pomacea bridgessi, an apple snail. There are many different kids of apple snails. Mystery snails are usually sold under the name of ivory, blue, gold mystery snails. They usually get to the size of about a golf ball. Other species of apple snails (like canas) can get to the size of a baseball. www.applesnail.net has lots of good info on the different species.

 

[janetdc1]

are the "canas" nearly impossible to find? All I've ever been able to find are the blue, black, ivory, gold etc mystery snails.
Just wondering.

 

[msjinkzd]

They are more difficult to find as they are a restricted species because they are big plant eaters. They cannot be transported/sold across state lines. You may be able to find a local breeder in order to get one but they are classified as invasive, although very cool!

 

[janetdc1]

They are more difficult to find as they are a restricted species because they are big plant eaters. They cannot be transported/sold across state lines. You may be able to find a local breeder in order to get one but they are classified as invasive, although very cool!

ohh--after reading, i don't think i want a canas- until I can have a snails only tank- they sound
so cool but I am not sure I want something that mows down everything!LOL!
thanks for the info-
I found lots more info on them since you gave me the scientific name-I had been to applesnail.net but for some reason was still cornfused...silly me!
anyway, thanks again.
I get it now.
sheesh.
LOL!

 

[Flaringshutter]

i do have to say that canas (Pomacea canaliculata) are much smarter and more personable than brigs (Pomacea bridgesii). they're more difficult to find and they do have large appetites, but if you can find a breeder within your state, they're definitely worth it. very sweet and fun.

and yes, the mystery snails/brigs will get to golf ball size, but remember that will be in their later years. canas will grow to about tennis ball size or even up to baseball size, depending on the individual snail. since canas are so restricted, genetic pools within states get smaller and smaller, and you can end up with very different sizes in different states.