What are Aquatic Mystery Snails?
Mystery snails (Pomacea bridgesii) are among the most popular freshwater aquarium inhabitants, and for good reason! They are able to co-habit well with any fish (e.g. tetras, guppies, corydora catfish, dwarf gourami, bettas etc), shrimp, or plants, and are completely peaceful. They are native to South America and and are known for their vibrant colors and unique appearance. These snails often can range from pea to marble sized when purchased, and can grow up to 2-3 inches in diameter as adults! Mystery snails are a great addition to any aquarium, and play a beneficial role in maintaining a balanced aquarium ecosystem.
Why are they called "Mystery Snails"? Well, the origin of their name is as elusive as the snails themselves. Some hobbyists believe that they earned this name due to their ability to quickly reproduce, baffling their owners when their tank suddenly becomes filled with dozens of baby snails, which seem to appear overnight as if by magic. Other hobbyists believe that this name dates back to the early days of the aquarium trade, when these snails were often mislabeled or their scientific name was forgotten, leading hobbyists and pet store owners to simply call them "mystery snails" as a practical nickname that eventually stuck.
1. Recommended Water Parameters
- - pH Level Range: 7.2 - 8.4 (the higher, the better to prevent erosion of their snail shell)
- - Water Temperature Range: 68°F - 82°F (with warmer temperatures being more ideal)
It's also crucial to regularly test the water parameters and to ensure your tank is fully cycled using the API Freshwater Master Test Kit to ensure optimal and safe water parameters for your snails.
Tip: If you are new to the aquarium-keeping hobby, we recommend checking out our Guide to Cycling an Aquarium!
2. Ideal Tank Set Up
Mystery snails require a tank with a minimum capacity of 5 gallons, but larger is always better! Each adult mystery snail should have approximately 2-3 gallons of water to ensure adequate space and water quality. The tank should be ideally be equipped with a tight-fitting lid or a lip to prevent them from escaping, as mystery snails can be sneaky little escape artists!
Mystery snails can produce a significant bioload, making proper filtration crucial. A quality hang-on-back filter or canister filter rated for your tank size with a gentle flow rate will help maintain water quality effectively. To be extra safe, we highly recommend purchasing a pre-filter sponge for the filter's intake to ensure snails don't accidentally get stuck in the filter intake.
Alternatively, using a sponge filter and an air-pump is also an excellent option as they provide gentle filtration while offering additional surfaces for beneficial bacteria.
Provide plenty of hiding spots and surfaces for them to climb on, such as rocks (e.g. Dragon Stone, Seiryu Stone), wood, and live aquatic plants. However, avoid sharp or rough decorations that may damage their delicate bodies.
3. Feeding Your Mystery Snails
Aquatic mystery snails are herbivores and primarily feed on algae and decaying plant matter, however, It's important to provide a balanced diet to ensure their overall health and well-being. Variety is key!
Staple Diet Options
Mystery snails are omnivorous and require a varied diet for optimal health. High-quality sinking pellets formulated for bottom-feeders and Algae Wafers are great options that can be easily found online and at most pet stores.
Some of our favorite commercial foods we currently feed our mystery snails include:
- - Hikari Tropical Algae Wafers
- - Hikari Crab Cuisine
- - Hikari Tropical Sinking Wafers
- - Mineral Junkie Bites
We also recommend feeding them homemade Snello, which combines a variety of ingredients to make a tasty well-balanced food for your snails.
Allowing algae to grow naturally in the tank provides a constant source of food for the snails. Additionally, you can supplement their diet with either blanched fresh, frozen, or canned (ensure you get the kind with no additives/salt!) vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, and of course, green beans (a classic mystery snail favorite!). Make sure you remove any uneaten food after 24 hours to maintain water quality.
Calcium Supplements
Aquatic mystery snails require calcium for shell growth and maintenance. You can provide calcium supplements in the form of crushed cuttlebone, crushed coral, or crushed eggshells. These can be placed directly in the tank or added to their food.
4. Breeding and Reproduction
Mystery snails are prolific breeders when conditions are right. They lay distinctive light pink/ivory white egg clusters above the waterline, which hatch after 2-3 weeks.
If you don't want offspring, simply remove egg clusters when you spot them! You can either freeze or crush an egg cluster to prevent them from hatching. However, if you are looking to breed your mystery snails, stay tuned for our comprehensive guide on breeding mystery snails!
TIP: You can crush an egg cluster in the water of your tank and any remnants will be consumed by the fish or snails in your tank (another way to add calcium back to the tank!)
5. Health and Common Issues
All in all, maintaining excellent water quality is the key to preventing most health issues.
Shell Health Monitoring
Healthy mystery snail shells should be smooth, colorful, and free from major cracks or holes. Minor imperfections on your snail's shell are generally not major signs of concern, and may disappear in time as they grow.
White patches, rough textures, or visible damage often indicate calcium deficiency or poor water quality, which can be easily rectified by increasing the pH of your water, or adding calcium supplements in the form of crushed cuttlebone, crushed coral, or crushed eggshells.
Regular observation helps catch shell problems early when they're most treatable. You'll notice a clear difference in your snail's new shell growth with a proper nutrition and water parameters! You may notice that your snail's shell color may even change as they grow!
(Magenta Mystery Snail with new shell growth)
Recognizing Illness in Mystery Snails
Inactive snails that remain in their shells for extended periods may be stressed or ill. It is completely normal when you first receive your mystery snails, or when you first bring them home from the pet shop, for them to be tightly tucked in their shells (imagine how you'd feel being tossed around in a bag or container for hours or days!) Most snails will come out of their shells within an hour or so, but sometimes it may take a little longer (up to 2-3 days) for them to feel comfortable enough to come out of their shells.
Is My Mystery Snail Deceased?
The quickest way to tell if a mystery snail has passed is by giving it a "sniff test". Simply smell the shell opening - a strong, unpleasant/foul odor indicates death while no odor or a very mild odor suggests the snail may still be viable but severely stressed.
In addition, you should inspect your snails by turning the snails over and checking that they are curled tightly in their shell. If their body is "hanging out" and if they do not curl up into their shell if you gently poke them, or if there is no resistance when you gently try to pull their operculum (the hard, door-like plate attached to the snail's foot that seals the opening of the shell), then your snail may be likely be sick, or dying.
NOTE: Mystery snails can surprisingly survive out of the water for a while, so if yours has escaped and appears dried out, don't discard it just yet! Put it back in the tank and give it a day or two, you may be surprised!
Long-Term Care and Maintenance
In the long term, it is important to establish a weekly routine which includes water changes, parameter testing, and health observations. Monitor your snails' growth and behavior patterns to quickly identify any changes that might indicate problems. Mature mystery snails can live 2-3 years with proper care, providing years of enjoyment and natural tank maintenance.
We recommend keeping detailed records of feeding schedules, water changes, and any observed changes in behavior or health, as this information proves invaluable for troubleshooting problems or sharing information with other aquarists.
Conclusion
Mystery snails make rewarding aquarium inhabitants for both beginners and experienced hobbyists. Their combination of beauty, personality, and practical benefits creates a truly engaging aquatic experience. Success with mystery snails comes down to providing stable water conditions, appropriate nutrition, and consistent care.
By following this comprehensive guide and investing in quality equipment and supplies, you'll create an environment where your mystery snails can thrive for years to come.
If you’re ready to experience their charm firsthand, you can purchase your own mystery snail directly from our website! All of our snails are 100% USA bred, ensuring you get a healthy and active addition to your aquatic family. Whether you're starting your first snail tank or expanding your current setup, the joy of keeping mystery snails lies in their unique personalities and the peaceful ambiance they bring to any aquarium. Take time to observe their daily activities, and you'll discover why so many aquarists become devoted mystery snail enthusiasts!
