Pomacea bridgesii
From The Aquarium Wiki
| Golden Apple Snail | |
| |
| Golden Apple Snail | |
| Species | Pomacea bridgesii |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Min. Tank Size | 18.927 liters 18,927.059 mL 5 US Gallons (18.9L) |
| Size | 6.35 cm
2-2.5 " (5.1-6.4cm) |
| pH | 7.0 - 8.0 |
| Temp. | 293.15 K 68 °F 527.67 °R 301.15 K |
| Water Hardness |
8-15 |
| Stocking Ratio | 1:1 M:F |
| Availability | Common |
| Diet | |
| Life Span |
1-2 years |
Contents |
[edit] Alternative names
- Apple Snail, Golden Apple Snail, Mystery Snail
[edit] Sexing
- Difficult, these are NOT hermaphroditic snails. Female grows faster than the male at first. In male snails the shell opening tends to be larger and rounder, due to the penial complex (easier to see in large numbers). It is easier to estimate the sex by looking inside the shell opening to see the penial complex. This will not be visible in females. Just take the snail out of the water and keep it upside down. The snail will stretch its foot out (as if it is trying to flip over). Once it has extended out to a point, If you look to the right of the mantle, You should see a large penis sheath in front of the gills. In a female snail the sheath will be absent.
[edit] Breeding
- When 2 snails are mating, it's the female which is the lower of the pair. Female lays the eggs, which are bright pink in colour, above the water at night so it's easy to control population. Eggs hatch out after 2-3 weeks. Egg clusters need to be kept at a high humidity and at 22-28°C (71.6-82.4°F) . High temperature causes earlier hatching.
[edit] Tank compatibility
- Will mix with virtually any other non-predator aquatic animal. Do not keep with Loaches or Puffer Fish and other invert eaters as they will attack and possibly kill the snail.
[edit] Diet
- Eats par-boiled vegetables, likes peeled grapes, will eat a little algae. This snail will generally not eat live plants. Do not be shocked if you see this snail eating a recently dead creature, they are opportunists.
[edit] Feeding regime
- It will constantly graze around the tank or will eat algae tablets. Apple snails can also be fed par-boiled leafy greens.
[edit] Environment Specifics
- Apple snails are more active during the night when the tank lights are switched off.
- Must have calcium ( GH greater than 8d) in the water and a pH greater than 7.0 or the shell will dissolve and the snail will die.
- The condition of its shell shows the history of its life.
- If it is kept at the higher temperature range, it will move around more quickly, but will have a shorter life span of about a year.
- Any copper based medical treatments in the water will kill it.
- Does not like salt.
[edit] Behaviour
- A graceful and peaceful animal, it is a bottom feeder, although it explores all over the aquarium. It does however need to breath air from the surface. It has a tube (also called a siphon) which it can extend to allow it to breath air whilst remaining underwater.
[edit] Identification
- Shape and colour of shell is the biggest clue. It should have white flesh with orange spots and traditionally a golden yellow shell.
- It is now available in a range of colours including pink, ivory, blue and jade. These are the results of selective breeding and their flesh colour may be different also.
[edit] Pictures
 Pink Apple Snail |
 Typical egg cluster (about 1.5" (3.8cm) long) |
