Apple Snail
Alternative Name(s): Golden / Mystery / Ivory Snail
Scientific Name(s): Ampullaraiidae (most common Pomacea Bridgesii)
Category: Freshwater Invertebrate
Difficulty:
Maximum Size: 15cms
Minimum Tank Volume: 20 litres
Minimum Tank Size: N/A
Water Temperature Range: 24-26°C
Water pH Range: 7.6-8.4
Water Hardness Range: 7-9 dGH
General Information: Interesting & colourful additions, desireable size. Usually golden but can also be purple, brown, red, orange, ivory and albino. Will NOT eat healthy plants unless forced due to underfeeding. *Water needs to be fairly hard to ensure strong shells & to avoid erosion/shell weakness problems*
Tank Requirements: See Minimum Tank Volume and Minimum Tank Size above
Diet Requirements: Well washed vegetables, algae wafers, sinking/floating pellets, flakes. Veg may need to be par cooked/left in tank a few days before interest is shown. Rotting aquarium plants.
Compatibility: Fine with most fish except: Sunfish, Loaches, Puffers, Catfish, Various Cichlids,V arious Gourami, some Bettas, some Frogs, Turtles, Crayfish.
Recommendations: Allow space above water level for AS to come COMPLETELY out of water, this can be inside the lid if preferred. Tank lid needs to fit tightly.
Common Problems: Tentacles being nipped off. Burying/Inactivity due to temp.too low/underfeeding. Can also survive on dry land for approx. 1 week & will go roaming if given the chance - well fitting lid required!
Similar Species: Vivaparidae family - These have no siphon, lung or labial (mouth) tentacles & are live bearers whereas AS are egg layers.
Sexing: Examine snail out of water. Check mantle cavity, shell opening shape, dark ovary shadows on light coloured/albino snails.
Breeding: Very difficult to achieve. Both a male AND a female are required to produce successful eggs. Lone females may lay clutches of blighted eggs that will not hatch.
Author(s): Violet, Fishlady | Photo: pennycrayon | Views: 26531
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  • Just popping in

 Of Loaches and Snails

I am not sure about Clown and other larger loaches, however Kuhli Loaches get along with these snails fine. I have a 29 gallon with five Kuhlis and they have never bothered the snail or the babies.

Keeping the water level as high as possible with no gap will help to discourage breeding as they like to leave egg nests at the water's surface. These will appear as jelly-like sacs that later drop to the bottom.

HarpersE

 
  • Home away from home

 Re: Of Loaches and Snails

Interesting that Kuhlis are okay, but disagree with not leaving a gap as AS' are also great indicators of water quality and if water problems occur, the snails at least can escape the water. Especially important if meds are used the snails don't like.

 
  • Just popping in

 Re: Of Loaches and Snails

my hill stream loach is fine with my snail, he likes to clean the shell is this normal. the snail doesnt seem to mind

 
  • Just popping in

 apple snails

are apple snails dangerous to fish? I've got some with orandas and somebody said they are poisonous to them.

 
  • Coldwater Moderator

 Re: apple snails

Hi Andy - welcome to FK Never heard that one before I have heard of a goldie eating an applesnail and living to tell the tale (not nice for the snail though!) so I think whoever told you they are poisonous to goldies may be a little mistaken. I can think of at least one member on FK who has kept them with goldies We've got a 'sticky' on them with more info:
http://www.fishkeeping.co.uk/modules/ ... php?topic_id=2088&forum=3

 
  • Not too shy to talk

 Breeding?

I have just successably bred my apple snails, the hardest thing is keeping the clutch moist and helping the babies break out

 
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