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About the Mystery Snail
The Mystery Snail is one of the most popular freshwater aquarium snails, loved for its colourful appearance, peaceful temperament, and exceptional algae-grazing abilities. Available in a wide range of stunning colours including Gold, Blue, Ivory, Jade, Chestnut, Purple, Black, and Magenta, Mystery Snails make both beautiful display animals and highly effective members of an aquarium clean-up crew.
Unlike many pest snail species, Mystery Snails grow to an impressive size and are easy to manage in the home aquarium. They spend their day grazing on soft algae, biofilm, uneaten fish food, and decaying plant material while exploring every corner of the aquarium. Their curious behaviour and long antennae make them fascinating to watch as they climb plants, driftwood, and aquarium glass.
Mystery Snails thrive in mature freshwater aquariums with stable water parameters and adequate calcium for healthy shell growth. They are completely peaceful and are excellent companions for shrimp, Corydoras, Tetras, Rasboras, Rainbowfish, Gouramis, and other peaceful community fish. Unlike some snail species, Mystery Snails generally leave healthy aquatic plants untouched, making them ideal for planted aquariums.
A varied diet of natural algae, quality algae wafers, sinking pellets, blanched zucchini, spinach, cucumber, and calcium-rich foods will promote strong shell development and long-term health.
Colourful, entertaining, and incredibly useful, the Mystery Snail is one of the best additions to planted aquariums and freshwater community tanks.
Please Note: Mystery Snails are available in a variety of colours. Unless a specific colour is selected, snails supplied may vary depending on current availability.
Quick Care Guide
Scientific Name
Pomacea diffusa
Common Name
Mystery Snail
Origin
South America
Adult Size
5–7 cm
Temperament
Peaceful
Diet
Herbivore / Omnivore
Minimum Tank Size
20 Litres
Temperature
20–28°C
pH
7.0–8.2
Water Hardness
8–20 dGH
Difficulty
Beginner
Lifespan
1–3 Years
Suitable For
Planted aquariums, shrimp tanks, nano aquariums, and freshwater community aquariums
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Mystery Snails good for aquariums?
Yes. Mystery Snails are excellent members of a clean-up crew, consuming algae, biofilm, leftover food, and decaying plant material while generally leaving healthy plants untouched.
Do Mystery Snails reproduce quickly?
No. Unlike many common pest snails, Mystery Snails lay their eggs above the waterline, making reproduction easy to control. Simply remove the egg clutch if you do not wish to breed them.
What do Mystery Snails eat?
They feed on soft algae, biofilm, algae wafers, sinking pellets, blanched vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, cucumber, and calcium-rich foods to support healthy shell growth.
Are Mystery Snails safe with shrimp?
Absolutely. Mystery Snails are completely peaceful and make excellent companions for Cherry Shrimp, Caridina shrimp, Amano Shrimp, and other freshwater invertebrates.
Why is my Mystery Snail's shell becoming pitted or white?
Poor shell condition is usually caused by low calcium levels, soft water, or acidic water. Maintaining adequate hardness and providing calcium-rich foods or mineral supplements will help keep the shell healthy.
Common Mistakes
Keeping them in soft or acidic water
Mystery Snails require moderate to hard water with adequate calcium to maintain strong, healthy shells.
Assuming they only eat algae
While they are excellent algae grazers, Mystery Snails also require supplemental feeding, especially in very clean aquariums.
Housing them with snail-eating fish
Avoid Puffers, many Loaches, Assassin Snails, and some Cichlids that may attack or consume Mystery Snails.
Allowing them to escape
Mystery Snails are excellent climbers and may leave the aquarium if there are gaps around the lid. A secure lid is recommended.
Poor water quality
Although hardy, Mystery Snails thrive with regular water changes, stable parameters, and clean, well-maintained aquariums.
