Ivory Snail

The Ivory Snail, scientifically known as Pomacea bridgesii (or Pomacea diffusa), is a highly popular, peaceful freshwater aquarium snail famous for its creamy white shell and light-coloured, iridescent body. Belonging to the apple snail family, they serve as excellent members of an aquarium cleanup crew because they constantly scavenge for waste. Quick Facts Maximum Size: 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) in diameter. Lifespan: 1 to 2 years, heavily influenced by water temperature. Minimum Tank Size: 3 to 5 gallons per snail. Temperament: Completely peaceful and non-aggressive. Dietary Requirements Ivory Snails are opportunistic omnivores with a massive appetite. They are safe for live plants, as they generally prefer eating decaying matter rather than healthy vegetation. Their diet should include: Natural Scavenging: Soft algae, bio-film, and leftover fish flakes or pellets. Supplemental Foods: Algae wafers, sinking shrimp pellets, and crab cuisine. Fresh Vegetables: Blanched zucchini, spinach, kale, and shelled peas. Calcium Supplements: Vital for shell health. Provide cuttlebone, Wonder Shells, or calcium-rich foods to prevent shell pitting or cracking. Ideal Water Parameters Because they require significant minerals to build their shells, they must not be kept in soft, acidic water. Water pH: 7.0 to 8.5 (slightly alkaline is preferred). Temperature: 68°F to 84°F (20°C to 29°C). Water Hardness: Moderately hard to hard water to prevent shell erosion Unique Behaviors Parasnailing: They frequently scale tank walls, trap air inside their shells, and intentionally let go to float down gracefully to the bottom. Breathing Siphon: They possess both gills and a lung. You will occasionally see them extend a long, snorkel-like tube (siphon) up to the waterline to breathe air. Heavy Waste Producers: While they clean up leftover food, they have an inefficient digestive tract and produce a significant biological load. Good filtration is mandatory.