Apple Snail
Quick Stats
| Size | Shell size varies from 40-50 mm wide and 45-65 mm high |
|---|---|
| Tank | 10 litres per snail |
| Swimming Area | All surfaces of the glass, gravel and ornaments. |
| Ph | 7.6 to 8.4 Optimum Ph 7.8 |
| Temperature | 70ºF to 86ºF (21-30°C) Optimum 76ºF (24°C) |
| Food | Flakes as well as sinking tablet foods. |
Common Name:
Apple / Mystery snails.
Distribution:
South America: Amazon River basin, from Peru, Ecuador and Colombia to the mouth of Amazon River.
Colouration:
Wild brown, gold, pink, albino, red, chestnut, blue, jade and even shades of purple and burgundy with or without stripes.
Lifespan:
2 to 3 years
Maintenance:
Weekly water changes of at least 10%
Feeding:
Fish flake and tablets to feed bottom feeders are eaten by the Apple Snail. Vegetables and fruits high in calcium promotes a healthy shell.
Substrate:
Not critical
Tank Decor:
It is important NOT to include any ornament or gravel that might cut or scratch them! Tanks must also be completely covered as these snails can and will climb out of them and eventually die if not found in time. It is a common practice to use duck tape or aluminum foil to cover any holes in the hood.
Filtration:
Standard filtration.
Biotype:
Slow flowing regions of the Amazon.
Breeding:
Pale pink to reddish eggs are deposited above the waterline and are closely attached to each other. Their size varies from 2.20 to 3.5 mm (0.5 to 0.9 inch) diameter. An average egg-clutch contains 200 to 600 eggs.