Mystery snail (Pomacea diffusa) care guide

Group

Snails

Other names

Spike-topped apple snail, Apple snail, Pomacea bridgesii diffusa, Gold mystery snail, Blue mystery snail, Ivory mystery snail

Family

Ampullariidae

Origin

Amazon Basin of Brazil, Peru and Bolivia; introduced to Florida and elsewhere

Water

freshwater

Maximum size

5 cm

Temperature

20–28°C

pH

7–8.2

Hardness

8–18 dGH, 4–10 dKH

Care level

beginner

Lifespan

1–2 years

Care

The mystery snail is the apple snail most often kept in aquariums. Its common name, spike-topped apple snail, refers to the fairly tall spire of its shell. Breeders have produced many colours, sold as gold, ivory, blue, purple, magenta, jade, black and chestnut, with plain or banded shells. It breathes through a gill and also through a siphon it stretches up to the surface. Names: it was first described as a subspecies of Pomacea bridgesii, and many shops still sell it under that name, but genetic work shows they are separate species. P. bridgesii is larger and has a restricted range. Set-up: Our sources have little on this species; the figures are general guidance, not from a source. A tank of 40 litres or more with a lid and a gap of a few centimetres between the water surface and the lid, so it can breathe at the surface and lay eggs. Moderately hard, alkaline water helps prevent shell erosion; add a calcium source if your water is soft. It is a tropical snail and does best at about 20–28 °C. Role: a busy scavenger of leftover food, soft algae and dead plant leaves. Unlike some apple snails it usually leaves healthy plants alone, but will eat soft or dying leaves. The EU bans the import and movement of Pomacea apple snails because they damage rice crops. Check the current rules before buying or selling, never release them, and never put them in a garden pond. Never release this animal or empty its tank water into drains or waterways. Copper: copper-based medicines and some plant fertilisers are toxic to shrimp, snails and most other invertebrates. Never dose them in a tank holding this animal, and read the label of any treatment, fertiliser or algae remover before use. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomaceadiffusa). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Omnivorous scavenger: leftover fish food, soft algae, biofilm and decaying plants. Feed sinking pellets, algae wafers and blanched vegetables such as courgette, spinach or cucumber, plus calcium-rich foods for strong shells. Remove uneaten vegetables within a day.

Breeding

Sexes are separate, so you need a male and a female; a group of several usually contains both. The female climbs out of the water at night to lay a clutch of eggs on the glass or lid above the waterline. Clutches have an irregular honeycomb look, white when fresh and turning tan to salmon. Keep them moist but out of the water; they hatch in a few weeks and the young drop into the tank. To control numbers, simply remove clutches (and dispose of them responsibly, not in waterways).

Compatibility and tank mates

Peaceful with fish, shrimp and other snails. Avoid puffers, loaches, large cichlids and crayfish, and fin-nippers such as tiger barbs that pick at its tentacles. Assassin snails may attack small ones.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.