Chinese Mystery Snail
Cipangopaludina chinensis
Also sold as Japanese trapdoor snail
Synonyms Trapdoor snail · Black snail
Chinese Mystery Snail (Cipangopaludina chinensis) is a peaceful freshwater snail that reaches about 6.5 cm (2.6 in) and swims along the bottom. It wants 68–82°F (20–28°C) and pH 6.5–7.5, can be kept singly, and needs a tank of at least 52 L (14 gal).
At a glance
| Type | Snail |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 6.5 cm (2.6 in) |
| Minimum tank | 52 L (14 gal) |
| Group size | Can be kept singly |
| Temperature | 68–82°F (20–28°C) |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Eats shrimp | No |
Before it goes in
- Chinese Mystery Snail needs at least 52 L (14 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 15 Gallon.
- It leaves shrimp and small fish alone.
- It holds at 68–82°F (20–28°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp.
What tank size does it need?
At least 52 L (14 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 15 Gallon.
Will it eat shrimp?
No — adult shrimp and their young are both safe with it.
What water does it want?
68–82°F (20–28°C), pH 6.5–7.5.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Cherry Shrimp, Goldfish, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio and Molly.
- Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.
Often compared with
| Chinese Mystery Snail | Mystery Snail | Colombian Ramshorn Snail | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 6.5 cm | 5 cm | 5 cm |
| Min tank | 52 L | 20 L | 40 L |
| Group | 1+ | 1+ | 1+ |
| Temperature | 68–82°F (20–28°C) | 68–82°F (20–28°C) | 64–82°F (18–28°C) |
| Eats shrimp | No | No | No |
More livestock
Sources (3) · checked Sep 2026
- What it eatsaquaticcommunity.com
- What it eatseddmaps.org
- en.wikipedia.org