Our Guide To Keeping Wild Apple Snails

1. About Species:

   • Scientific name: Pomacea maculata or Pomacea canaliculata
   • Common name: Wild Apple Snail
   • Family: Ampullariidae
   • Origin: South America
   • Adult size: 5-15 cm
   • Lifespan: 1 to 3 years

2. Tank Setup:

   • Wild Apple Snails prefer tanks with ample space and a soft substrate, like sand or smooth gravel, to accommodate their size and allow for easy movement.
   • A minimum tank size of 40L is recommended for a single adult, with larger tanks needed for multiple snails.
   • They require access to the water surface for breathing, so maintain a gap between the water level and tank lid.

3. Water Parameters:

   • These snails thrive in neutral to slightly alkaline water with a pH range of 7.0 to 8.0 to support shell health.
   • Maintain a temperature range of 20 to 28°C (68 to 82°F).

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • A gentle to moderate water flow is ideal, allowing the snails to navigate and feed without being disturbed by strong currents.
   • Ensure high water quality, as Wild Apple Snails are sensitive to ammonia and nitrate levels, which can harm their health.

5. Diet:

   • Wild Apple Snails are omnivores and will consume a variety of foods, including algae, plant matter, and detritus.
   • Supplement their diet with algae wafers, blanched vegetables, and occasional protein-based foods like shrimp pellets for balanced nutrition.
   • Note: They may consume live plants, so this should be considered if kept in a planted aquarium.

6. Tank mates:

   • These snails are generally peaceful and compatible with most community fish, such as tetras, guppies, and corydoras catfish.
   • Avoid housing them with aggressive, snail-eating fish like certain loaches and pufferfish.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • Wild Apple Snails are active and often seen exploring the tank or grazing on surfaces, contributing to tank cleanliness.
   • They can reproduce prolifically in aquariums, laying eggs above the waterline, so monitor and remove egg clusters if overpopulation is a concern.