Overview Family: Ampullariidae Mystery Snails (Pomacea bridgesii) are large, colourful freshwater snails native to South America. They come in a variety of shell and body colours, from gold and blue to jade and purple. Known for their calm nature and algae-eating habits, they help keep aquariums clean while adding character and movement. Mystery Snails breathe both through gills and a siphon, occasionally extending to the surface for air. They’re excellent for planted aquariums, as they don’t harm healthy plants. Recommended Tank Size: A minimum of 30 litres Peaceful and safe for community tanks Avoid aggressive fish (such as cichlids or loaches) that may nip at their antennae Provide plants, driftwood, and a tight lid as they may wander Average Adult Size: Body length: 4-6cm Reach adult size within 4–6 months Lifespan: 1–3 years under stable, warm conditions Fast growers when provided with a balanced diet and adequate calcium Water Parameters: pH: 7.0–8.0 Alkalinity (KH): 4–12 General Hardness (GH): 10+ Temperature: 22–28°C Note: Need calcium-rich water to maintain a healthy shell Food: Omnivorous scavengers that eat algae, leftover food, and detritus Feed algae wafers, sinking pellets, and blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, green beans) Supplement with calcium sources (cuttlebone or mineral blocks) for shell strength Feed lightly — they’ll graze continuously
