Description
Species Background
The Ivory Mystery Snail is a selectively bred color morph of Pomacea diffusa, a freshwater apple snail native to slow moving waters in South America. This species has been bred in aquariums for generations and is fully adapted to captive conditions. Unlike invasive apple snails, Pomacea diffusa does not reproduce explosively and is widely accepted in the aquarium hobby.
Behavior and Temperament
Calm, methodical, and completely non aggressive. These snails spend their time cruising glass, hardscape, and substrate in search of biofilm and leftover food. They are active both day and night and show no interest in bothering fish, plants, or other invertebrates. They are excellent community tank residents and tolerate tankmates well, provided those tankmates are not snail eaters.
Adult Size
Adults typically reach about 2 inches in shell diameter.
Water Parameters
Temperature: 68–82°F
pH: 7.0–8.4
GH: 6–20 dGH
KH: 4–12 dKH
Stable, mineral rich water is important for shell health. Softer, acidic water can lead to shell erosion over time.
Diet
Omnivorous grazer. They feed on biofilm, soft algae, and leftover fish food. Supplemental foods such as algae wafers, blanched vegetables, and calcium rich sinking foods help maintain shell condition and long term health.
Tank Requirements
A minimum of 5 gallons per snail is recommended, with larger tanks preferred for stability. Provide a secure lid, as mystery snails can and will explore above the waterline. Gentle to moderate filtration is ideal. Hardscape and plant surfaces encourage natural grazing behavior.
Why They’re Popular
Ivory Mystery Snails are valued specifically for their visibility. Unlike darker morphs that disappear against substrate and hardscape, ivory morphs stay easy to spot as they move across glass, plants, and décor. Customers don’t buy these to wonder where the snail went. They buy them because they can actually see it doing snail things.
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