Mystery Snail
Pomacea bridgesii · family Ampullariidae
Also: Apple Snail
Parameters
- Temperature
- 18–28 °C
- pH
- 7–8.5
- Hardness
- 8–18 °dGH
- Tank volume
- from 40 L
- Maximum size
- up to 6 cm
- Group size
- min 1, ideal 2
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Lifespan
- 1–3 years
Pros and cons
- The most peaceful apple snail — doesn't eat live plants
- Eats leftovers and algae well
- Active and entertaining to watch
- Breeds in freshwater — egg clutch above the waterline
- Egg clutch laid above water — tank lid must be tight
- Can grow large (6 cm) — needs at least 40 L
- Sensitive to low pH — shell may erode
- Banned for import into the EU as an 'invasive species' (rules vary by country)
Description
A large snail with air breathing — it surfaces to gulp air. Unlike other Pomacea (P. canaliculata), Pomacea bridgesii does NOT eat live plants. Yellow, blue and dark-purple cultivars exist.
FAQ
- Is this the apple snail that eats plants?
- No. The plant-eater is Pomacea canaliculata, banned in most countries. Our P. bridgesii is peaceful and leaves plants alone.
AuthorGoldie Editorial
Goldie editorial team
Practising aquarists with a combined 30+ years of experience · Biologists and editors, fact-checking against FishBase and Seriously Fish · Every piece is reviewed by a qualified ichthyologist before publication
Reviewed byGoldie Science Board
Scientific board — ichthyologists and veterinarians
Ichthyologists and veterinarians with university degrees · Reference FishBase, Seriously Fish and peer-reviewed literature · Sign every reviewed article with their credentials shown
Sources
- Wikipedia: Pomacea bridgesii · Wikipedia · 2026-05-22