Mystery Snail (Pomacea bridgesii) Care Guide

General Overview

Mystery Snails are peaceful freshwater snails loved for their wide range of colors (gold, blue, ivory, jade, purple, magenta) and their algae-cleaning ability. Unlike some invasive apple snails, Pomacea bridgesii does not eat live plants aggressively, making them safe for planted aquariums.

Tank Setup

• Tank Size: Minimum 20 liters per snail. A group of 2–3 needs 40–60 liters.

• Substrate: Sand or smooth gravel (avoid sharp substrates).

• Décor: Provide rocks, driftwood, and plants—these give grazing surfaces and natural enrichment.

• Lid/Cover: Essential! Mystery Snails can climb out of the tank.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 20–28 °C (68–82 °F)

• pH: 7.0–8.0 (slightly alkaline preferred for shell health)

• Hardness: 8–18 dGH (calcium is crucial for strong shells)

• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm (sensitive to poor water quality)

• Nitrate: < 30 ppm

Tip: If water is too soft, supplement with cuttlebone or liquid calcium for healthy shells.

Diet

Mystery Snails are opportunistic grazers. They need more than just algae to thrive:

• Algae & Biofilm – natural grazing

• Vegetables (blanched zucchini, spinach, kale, cucumber, green beans)

• Commercial Foods – algae wafers, sinking pellets, snail-specific foods

• Calcium-Rich Foods – spinach, kale, or supplements to support shell growth

⚠️ Avoid copper-based foods/medications—it is toxic to snails.

‍‍ Tank Mates

Mystery Snails are peaceful and best with non-aggressive companions.

• ✅ Good tank mates: community fish (tetras, guppies, rasboras), shrimp, corydoras, livebearers

• ❌ Avoid: aggressive or snail-eating fish (loaches, puffers, large cichlids, crayfish)

Behavior

• Active during the day and night, often seen gliding along glass, plants, and décor.

• Breathe both through gills and an air siphon that they extend to the water surface.

• Can seal themselves in their shell with an operculum if stressed or during dry conditions.

Breeding

• Sexual species: need both a male and female to reproduce (not self-fertilizing).

• Egg Laying: They lay large clutches of eggs above the waterline. Eggs hatch in ~2–3 weeks.

• Keep humidity high above the tank waterline if you want eggs to hatch.

⚠️ Common Issues

• Shell Erosion/Pitting: Caused by low calcium or acidic water. Correct with supplements and pH adjustments.

• Inactive Snail: Could be poor water quality, temperature stress, or nearing end of lifespan.

• Lifespan: Typically 1–2 years with proper care.

✨ Quick Care Summary:

• 20+ liters per snail

• pH 7.0–8.0, hard water, warm stable temp

• Balanced diet + extra calcium

• Peaceful community companions only

• Tight lid (they climb out!)

• Expect 1–2 years of active, fascinating behavior

Here’s a fun and interesting fact about Mystery Snails (Pomacea bridgesii):

They can “snorkel” for air!
Unlike most snails that only breathe through gills, Mystery Snails have a long tube called a siphon. They stretch this siphon up to the water’s surface, like a little snorkel, and draw in air. This allows them to survive in waters with low oxygen levels—making them both fascinating and very adaptable.