Apple snail

Apple snail is a common name that is applied to several kinds of freshwater snails that have an operculum (a kind of door that can close the shell's aperture). The name is most often used to describe the Ampullariidae family of large, air-breathing, tropical and subtropical freshwater snails.

Taxonomy

The Ampullariidae family, to which the apple snails belong, is divided into several genera, including Pomacea, Asolene, Felipponea, Marisa, and Lanistes. The most commonly known apple snails are Pomacea species, which are often kept in aquariums.

Description

Apple snails vary in size and shape. The shells of apple snails are globular in shape and can grow up to 15 cm in diameter in some species. The color of the shells can be quite diverse, ranging from yellow to brown, often with dark spiral bands.

Habitat and Distribution

Apple snails are native to the tropics and subtropics of South America. However, they have been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia, often becoming invasive species.

Diet

Apple snails are omnivores, feeding on a diet of algae, detritus, and soft vegetation. Some species are known to eat other snails and invertebrates.

Reproduction

Apple snails are known for their unique reproductive habits. They lay their eggs above the waterline in calcareous clutches. This is unusual among freshwater snails, which typically lay their eggs underwater.

Invasive Species

Several species of apple snails, such as the Pomacea canaliculata, have become invasive species in many parts of the world, causing significant damage to rice crops and native ecosystems.

In Aquaria

Apple snails are popular in the aquarium trade due to their size, varied coloration, and interesting behavior. However, their potential to become invasive species has led to restrictions on their trade in some countries.

Apple snail Resources
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