Our Guide To Keeping Blue Apple Snail
-
About Fish Species:
- Scientific name: Pomacea diffusa (or Pomacea bridgesii in some classifications)
- Common name: Blue Apple Snail, Blue Mystery Snail
- Family: Ampullariidae
- Origin: South America, especially the Amazon River Basin
- Adult length: 5 cm (2 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 to 2 years
-
Tank Setup:
- Blue Apple Snails do well in a tank of at least 20L; larger tanks are ideal for keeping multiple snails and maintaining water quality.
- Use a soft substrate like sand or fine gravel to protect their soft underbelly.
- They enjoy a planted tank environment, with plants and decorations offering hiding spots and algae sources for grazing.
-
Water Parameters:
- Blue Apple Snails thrive in water with a pH of 7.0 to 8.0, with slightly alkaline conditions being ideal.
- Keep the water temperature between 20 to 26°C (68 to 79°F).
- Calcium-rich water is essential to promote healthy shell growth and vibrant coloration.
-
Filtration and Water Flow:
- A gentle water flow is recommended, as strong currents may stress the snails and hinder their grazing behavior.
-
Diet:
- Blue Apple Snails are omnivorous and feed on algae, decaying plant matter, and leftover fish food.
- Supplement their diet with blanched vegetables, such as zucchini, lettuce, and spinach, to provide essential nutrients.
-
Tank mates:
- They are peaceful and can coexist with a variety of community fish, shrimp, and other snails.
- Avoid housing them with aggressive fish that may harm their sensitive antennae or soft body parts.
-
Behavior and Compatibility:
- Blue Apple Snails are slow, peaceful grazers and will spend much of their time on the tank's surfaces.
- They may occasionally crawl out of the water, so keep the tank covered to prevent escape.