Description
Mystery Snail (Pomacea bridgesii)
📌 Basic Info
Scientific Name: Pomacea bridgesii
Family: Ampullariidae
Origin: South America (Amazon Basin)
Size: 2 – 2.5 inches (5 – 6 cm)
Lifespan: 1 – 3 years
Tank Zone: Bottom & mid-level (often climb glass and decorations)
🌊 Water Parameters
TDS: 150 – 250 ppm
pH: 7.0 – 8.0 (slightly alkaline preferred)
Temperature: 20 – 28°C (68 – 82°F)
Hardness: 6 – 15 dGH (needs calcium for shell health)
🐌 Characteristics
Peaceful freshwater snail available in many colors (gold, blue, ivory, purple, etc.).
Large, rounded shell and long antennae.
Very active compared to other snails – often seen exploring or climbing.
Need access to air – they have a “siphon” tube to breathe at the surface.
Do not breed out of control like pest snails – they lay eggs above waterline.
🍽️ Food
Type: Omnivorous with plant preference.
Diet: Algae, leftover fish food, algae wafers, blanched veggies (zucchini, spinach, cucumber), calcium-rich foods.
Feeding: Supplement with veggies and wafers if algae is limited.
🛠️ Maintenance
Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons (per snail).
Filtration: Gentle filter, stable water.
Decor: Plants, driftwood, rocks; avoid sharp decorations that can crack shells.
Water Change: 20–30% weekly; keep water clean to avoid shell erosion.
👥 Social Behavior
Minimum Group Size: Can be kept alone or in groups (peaceful).
Tank Mates: Guppies, Tetras, Corydoras, Mollies, Shrimp, peaceful fish.
Avoid: Loaches, Pufferfish, or Assassin Snails (they may eat them).
✅ Do’s
Provide calcium for healthy shell growth (cuttlebone, calcium foods).
Keep water line 2–3 inches below the top if you want them to lay eggs.
Feed extra food if the tank is low in algae.
❌ Don’ts
Don’t keep with aggressive or snail-eating fish.
Don’t let shells crack from sharp decor.
Don’t expose them to copper-based medications (toxic).
⭐ Quick Tips
Colorful, peaceful, and beginner-friendly snail.
Helps with cleaning algae and leftover food.
Fun to watch – very active compared to most snails.
