Black Mystery

Overview

• Scientific Name: Pomacea bridgesii
• Common Name: Black Mystery Snail
• Family: Ampullariidae
• Origin: South America (native to the Amazon basin); selectively bred in captivity to produce different colors like black.

Physical Characteristics

• Size: They can grow up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter, making them one of the larger freshwater snails.
• Shell Color: The shell is typically jet black or dark brown, giving it an elegant and dramatic appearance. Sometimes, the shell may show slight color variations or light banding.
• Body Color: The snail's body may vary, but it often complements the dark shell with a darker or blackish-grey hue.
• Antennae and Body: Like all Mystery Snails, the black variety has long antennae that help them explore their environment, and their soft body extends out from the shell while moving.

Behavior

• Temperament: Black Mystery Snails are completely non-aggressive, making them perfect for peaceful community tanks. They coexist well with other tank mates and are never known to bother fish or other invertebrates.
• Activity Level: They are active grazers, spending their time moving slowly around the tank, looking for algae and organic debris to consume. They are especially active at night.
• Breathing: They have both gills and a siphon that allows them to breathe atmospheric air, meaning they often come to the surface of the water to extend the siphon for a breath.

Habitat and Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: A minimum of 5 gallons is required for a single Black Mystery Snail, though they thrive better in larger tanks (10 gallons or more), especially when kept with other tankmates.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 68°F to 82°F (20°C to 28°C)
  • pH Level: 7.0 to 8.4
  • Water Hardness: Moderate to hard (8 to 18 dGH). Adequate calcium levels are important for strong shell development.
• Substrate: Soft substrates like sand or fine gravel are ideal, as they are gentle on the snail's foot.
• Tank Setup: Provide a well-planted aquarium with driftwood and rocks for the snails to explore. They thrive in planted tanks where they can graze on algae and biofilm.
• Filtration: Standard aquarium filtration works well, but ensure that the water remains clean, as they are sensitive to poor water quality.

Diet

• Feeding: Black Mystery Snails are herbivores and scavengers. They enjoy a varied diet that includes:
  • Algae and biofilm growing on tank surfaces.
  • Blanched vegetables like spinach, zucchini, and cucumber.
  • Algae wafers or sinking pellets.
  • Occasionally, they may consume detritus or decaying plant matter.
• Calcium Supplementation: For optimal shell health, ensure they get enough calcium in their diet. Offer calcium-enriched foods or add cuttlebone to the tank to provide an extra source of calcium.

Reproduction

• Egg-laying: Black Mystery Snails are gonochoristic, meaning they have separate sexes (male and female). However, distinguishing between males and females can be challenging.
• Egg Clutches: Females lay egg clutches above the waterline on tank walls or the lid. The clutch consists of small, pinkish-white eggs that resemble a cluster of bubbles.
• Hatching: The eggs hatch in about 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the tank’s temperature and humidity.
• Fry Care: Once the eggs hatch, baby snails fall into the water and start to forage immediately.

Compatibility

• Tank Mates: Black Mystery Snails are peaceful and can be housed with a wide variety of community fish and invertebrates, including:
  • Tetras
  • Guppies
  • Mollies
  • Corydoras catfish
  • Shrimp
• Avoid Aggressive Species: Avoid keeping them with aggressive fish, such as cichlids or loaches, as these fish may attack or harass the snails.

Lifespan

• Lifespan: In a well-maintained aquarium, Black Mystery Snails can live for 1 to 2 years, though they can occasionally live longer under optimal conditions.

Care Requirements

• Shell Health: Ensure their water has adequate calcium to prevent shell damage. Without enough calcium, their shells can become thin, brittle, or develop holes.
• Water Maintenance: Regular water changes are essential for maintaining their health, as Mystery Snails are sensitive to ammonia and nitrite spikes. Avoid using medications that contain copper, as it is toxic to snails.
• General Health: Black Mystery Snails are hardy, but they can be prone to shell issues or parasites like flukes if kept in poor conditions. Regularly monitor water quality and their behavior to catch any potential health issues early.

Interesting Facts

1. Mystery Name: The "mystery" in their name comes from the way they seem to appear and disappear in tanks, with hobbyists not always sure where they are hiding.
2. Tank Cleaners: Black Mystery Snails are excellent scavengers that help keep the aquarium clean by eating algae, uneaten food, and decaying plant matter.
3. Air Breathers: Thanks to their siphon, they can breathe atmospheric air, making them adaptable to a range of oxygen levels in tanks.
4. Non-invasive: Unlike some other snail species, Black Mystery Snails do not breed uncontrollably and won't overpopulate your tank unless specific breeding conditions are met.