Albino Mystery

Overview

• Scientific Name: Pomacea bridgesii
• Common Name: Albino Mystery Snail
• Family: Ampullariidae
• Origin: South America (native range); selectively bred for color variations such as albino.

Physical Characteristics

• Size: Albino Mystery Snails can grow up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter, though they are usually smaller in home aquariums.
• Shell Coloration: The shell is usually white, pale pink, or off-white and may have slight yellowish tones depending on lighting and diet. The albino body is often pale, pinkish-white, with visible organs through its translucent skin.
• Antennae and Body: Like other Mystery Snails, the albino variety has long antennae and a soft, fleshy body that extends from the shell when it moves. The pale body color makes their internal organs more visible, creating an ethereal appearance.

Behavior

• Temperament: Albino Mystery Snails are peaceful creatures, making them great tank mates for a variety of fish and invertebrates. They are non-aggressive and spend their time grazing on surfaces and algae.
• Activity Level: They are active foragers, exploring the tank for algae and detritus. Mystery Snails tend to be more active at night but are visible throughout the day as well.
• Breathing Behavior: These snails have both gills and a siphon (a tube they extend to the surface to breathe atmospheric oxygen), which allows them to thrive in a variety of water conditions.

Habitat and Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: A minimum of 5 gallons is recommended, though they do better in 10 gallons or larger tanks, especially in community setups.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 68°F to 82°F (20°C to 28°C)
  • pH Level: 7.0 to 8.4 (they prefer slightly alkaline water)
  • Water Hardness: Moderate to hard (8 to 18 dGH); Mystery Snails need calcium to maintain healthy shells.
• Substrate: Fine gravel or sand substrate works best, as it’s gentle on their sensitive foot.
• Tank Setup: Albino Mystery Snails need plenty of hiding places like plants, driftwood, and rocks. They thrive in planted tanks where they can graze on algae and biofilm.
• Filtration: Standard filtration is suitable, but ensure good water circulation and oxygenation, as these snails rely on both gills and lungs.

Diet

• Feeding: Albino Mystery Snails are omnivores with a strong preference for plant matter and algae.
  • They naturally graze on algae, biofilm, and detritus in the tank.
  • Supplement their diet with blanched vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or cucumber.
  • Algae wafers and sinking pellets can also be provided.
  • Mystery Snails may also nibble on soft plants, but they are less likely to damage healthy plant growth than some other snail species.
• Calcium Supplementation: For optimal shell health, provide foods or supplements rich in calcium, like cuttlebone or calcium-enriched foods.

Reproduction

• Egg-laying: Mystery Snails are gonochoristic, meaning they have separate male and female sexes. However, distinguishing them can be difficult.
• Egg Clutches: Females lay egg clutches above the waterline, usually in a dry area, such as the tank's lid or walls. The clutch looks like a cluster of small white or pinkish eggs.
• Incubation Period: The eggs take about 2 to 4 weeks to hatch, depending on temperature and humidity.
• Fry Care: Once hatched, baby snails are fully formed and will drop into the water to begin feeding. They can eat the same foods as adults.

Compatibility

• Tank Mates: Albino Mystery Snails are peaceful and get along well with most freshwater community tank species, including:
  • Tetras
  • Guppies
  • Mollies
  • Corydoras catfish
  • Shrimp
  • Other peaceful snails
• Avoid Aggressive Fish: Keep them away from fish that may nip at their antennae or soft body, such as aggressive cichlids or loaches.

Lifespan

• Lifespan: In captivity, Albino Mystery Snails typically live 1 to 2 years, though with excellent care, they may live up to 3 years.

Care Requirements

• Shell Health: Ensuring adequate calcium levels in the water is essential for healthy shell development. Without sufficient calcium, their shells can become brittle and develop holes.
• Water Maintenance: Mystery Snails are sensitive to poor water conditions, so regular water changes (about 20-25% weekly) are necessary to keep them healthy. Avoid copper-based medications, as copper is toxic to snails.
• Monitoring for Disease: Mystery Snails can suffer from shell rot or cracks if not given proper water parameters and calcium. They are also vulnerable to parasites like flukes.

Interesting Facts

1. Mystery of the Name: The term "Mystery Snail" comes from their curious habit of sometimes seemingly disappearing for days, then reappearing, leaving aquarists to "mysteriously" wonder where they went.
2. Algae Control: While they are not the most aggressive algae eaters, they can help control algae levels, especially if kept in planted tanks.
3. Siphon Usage: Mystery Snails have a long siphon that they extend to the water’s surface to breathe air, a unique behavior among aquatic snails.
4. Eyesight: Although they have poor vision, their antennae are extremely sensitive and help them navigate and find food.