Description
Species Background
Ivory Mystery Snails are a color morph of Pomacea bridgesii, a peaceful South American snail adapted to slow, warm waters with plenty of vegetation. The bright, bone-white shell and clean, golden body coloration make them stand out in planted tanks. They’ve been captive-bred for decades, which means they handle a very wide range of freshwater conditions.
Behavior and Temperament
Mystery snails wander the tank like tiny armored vacuum cleaners. Always peaceful, always hungry, and always convinced the glass has one more speck they must investigate. They’re active during the day and don’t bother fish, shrimp, or plants unless the plant is already melting.
Adult Size
Adults typically reach 1.5–2 inches across the shell. Some long-term keepers report slightly larger individuals when fed well and kept in stable water.
Water Parameters
Stability matters far more than precision. Wide tolerances reflect real-world, modern husbandry.
Temperature: 72–82°F (safe 68–84°F)
pH: 7.2–8.4
GH: 6–18
KH: 3–12
These snails must have enough minerals for shell health. The expanded upper GH/KH is supported by long-term aquarium practice and prevents shell pitting.
Diet
Mystery snails graze constantly on biofilm, algae, leftover food, and blanched vegetables. They also appreciate sinking wafers. They do not survive on “algae only.” A fed snail is a healthy snail… and far less likely to audition for your local escape-artist competition.
Tank Requirements
• Minimum tank size: 5–10 gallons per snail (they’re messy grazers)
• Secure lid: They explore above the waterline
• Hardscape and glass kept clean of hazards that might chip shells
• Plenty of surfaces for grazing
• Gentle filtration; they’re excellent with planted tanks
Why They’re Popular
Ivory Mystery Snails add movement, personality, and a clean visual contrast to all the green in a planted setup. They’re hardy, peaceful, and endlessly entertaining. They also handle a wide range of conditions, making them forgiving for beginners but still beloved by advanced keepers.
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