Mystery Snail
Pomacea diffusa
Also sold as Gold mystery snail · Spike-topped apple snail · Black mystery snail · Jade mystery snail
Synonyms Pomacea bridgesii · Apple snail
Mystery Snail (Pomacea diffusa) is a peaceful freshwater snail that reaches about 5 cm (2 in) and swims along the bottom. It wants 68–82°F (20–28°C) and pH 7–8, can be kept singly, and needs a tank of at least 20 L (5 gal).
At a glance
| Type | Snail |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 5 cm (2 in) |
| Minimum tank | 20 L (5 gal) |
| Group size | Can be kept singly |
| Temperature | 68–82°F (20–28°C) |
| pH | 7–8 |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| GH | 8–18 |
| Lifespan | 1–2 years |
| Eats shrimp | No |
Color forms
Same species, different color. Care is the same for all of them.
BlueBlue Mystery Snail
PurplePurple Mystery Snail · Magenta Mystery Snail · Lavender Mystery Snail
IvoryIvory Mystery Snail · Ivory White Mystery Snail
Before it goes in
- Mystery Snail needs at least 20 L (5 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 36P.
- 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 20 L (5 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 36P.
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 7–8, GH 8–18.
How long does it live?
1–2 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.
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
| Mystery Snail | Chinese Mystery Snail | Colombian Ramshorn Snail | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 5 cm | 6.5 cm | 5 cm |
| Min tank | 20 L | 52 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 (4) · checked Sep 2026
- What it eats, Mature tankaquariumcoop.com
- Mature tankaquariumbreeder.com
- What it eatstheshrimpfarm.com
- aquariumcoop.com