2026 Freshwater Snails Guide: care, Aquarium Species, and Health Risks

Aquarists often hold divergent views regarding freshwater snails. While some consider them an essential biological tool for algae control and substrate maintenance, others perceive them as a persistent pest. Nevertheless, these mollusks—also referred to as gastropods—are far more than mere scavengers; their presence bestows vitality and aesthetic equilibrium upon any aquatic ecosystem.

From the unassuming Ramshorn to the ornamental Neritina, these invertebrates play a pivotal role in the tank’s biological stability. Due to their adaptability, these gastropods thrive within the same temperature ranges as most tropical fish, demonstrating high compatibility with diverse species of fish and invertebrates.

In the aquarium hobby, there is a tendency to categorize these mollusks as either ‘beneficial’ or ‘detrimental.’ In reality, most are advantageous due to their capacity to process organic waste; however, certain species may proliferate uncontrollably or damage vegetation if not managed correctly. Such issues are typically averted through the informed selection of the species best suited to your aquarium’s needs.

Beyond being bottom-dwellers, freshwater snails act as ecosystem engineers and, in specific contexts, as biological indicators. Whether you are seeking the ideal ‘cleaner’ or are a biodiversity researcher, this updated guide offers a comprehensive overview spanning from taxonomy to technical management in the modern aquarium.

Key Points

• Ecosystem Engineers: Far more than mere cleaners, snails are fundamental to biological equilibrium, substrate aeration, and the control of algae and detritus.
• Health Bioindicators: Their behavior serves as a natural alert; congregating at the surface typically indicates low dissolved oxygen levels in the water.
• The Calcium Rule: Snails absorb 80% of the calcium required for their shells directly from the water. Maintaining a pH between 7.0 and 8.0, along with adequate hardness, is vital to prevent shell erosion.
• Population Management: A snail outbreak is not the primary issue, but rather a symptom of overfeeding or an excess of organic matter within the aquarium.
• Safety and Biosecurity: In domestic aquaria, they are harmless to humans. The risk of zoonotic parasites (such as schistosomiasis) is exclusively limited to wild-caught specimens.
• Economic Potential: Beyond the hobby, freshwater snail aquaculture (aquatic heliciculture) represents an emerging business opportunity within the global food industry.

Freshwater Snail Taxonomy and Diversity: A Technical Guide for the Aquarium

According to the taxonomic review published by Strong (2008), there are nearly 4,000 documented species of freshwater gastropods. This vast morphological diversity, manifested in a wide array of sizes and pigmentations, has facilitated the integration of specific specimens into modern aquarism.

Nevertheless, the management of these mollusks faces regulatory challenges. Ng Th et al. (2016) point out that freshwater mollusks have been historically underestimated within the ornamental pet trade. Consequently, several countries have begun implementing strict monitoring measures with two priority objectives:

• Biosecurity: To prevent the introduction of invasive organisms or vectors of infectious diseases.
• Legal Compliance: To mitigate the risk of illegal wildlife trafficking.

Biological Classification and Adaptation

Freshwater snails belong to the class Gastropoda and are primarily categorized by their respiratory systems. This distinction is fundamental in determining their resilience in low-oxygen environments:

• Pulmonata: Species that breathe atmospheric air.
• Prosobranchia: Mollusks that utilize gills for gas exchange.

Predominant Families in the Aquarium Hobby

In a technical context, it is essential to distinguish between the families with the greatest impact on the tank’s ecosystem:

• Ampullariidae: Includes the popular Apple Snail (Pomacea canaliculata).
• Neritidae: The family of the Zebra Snail (Neritina natalensis), highly valued for its inability to reproduce in freshwater, thus preventing overpopulation.
• Thiaridae: Represented by the Malaysian Trumpet Snail (Melanoides tuberculata), crucial for substrate oxygenation and aeration.

Table 01. Ideal physicochemical parameters for select freshwater snail species.

Reproductive Strategies and Life Cycle of Freshwater Snails

The reproduction of aquatic gastropods is a fascinating process that varies drastically by species. Although there is a widespread belief that all are hermaphroditic (possessing both male and female organs with the capacity for self-fertilization), the biological reality is more diverse, also including dioecious species (having separate sexes).

Reproductive Mechanisms and Oviposition

Most of these mollusks deposit their eggs in gelatinous masses containing between five and forty embryos. These clutches are typically attached to plants or rocks or scattered throughout the substrate. Under optimal conditions, hatching occurs within six to eight days, with sexual maturity reached in a record time of four to seven weeks. Depending on the species, birthing strategies fall into three primary categories:

• External Clutches: The Apple snail (Pomacea) deposits clusters of calcareous eggs, often pinkish in hue, above the waterline. This characteristic facilitates their detection and population control.
• Gelatinous Masses: Species such as Physa or Planorbis (Ramshorn) place transparent sacs beneath plant leaves or submerged surfaces, making them more difficult to spot.
• Viviparous (or Ovoviviparous) Species: The Malaysian Trumpet snail (Melanoides tuberculata) is notable for giving birth to fully formed young that immediately burrow into the substrate to protect themselves from predators.

Population Control in the Aquarium

It is vital to understand that a snail population explosion is not a problem per se, but rather a biological indicator. Overpopulation is usually a direct symptom of an excess of organic matter or overfeeding within the system.

Technical Note: Identifying whether your snails are hermaphroditic (such as Physa) or dioecious (such as Pomacea) is the first step toward effective management. While the former can expand rapidly through self-fertilization, the latter requires a mate to procreate.

Freshwater Snail Nutrition and Diet: Beyond Waste Consumption

What do aquarium snails actually eat? This remains one of the most common questions among hobbyists. Although popularly labeled as “cleaners” or “scavengers,” proper nutrition is the cornerstone of their longevity and the development of robust shells.

Feeding Habits by Species

The diet of these mollusks is diverse and strictly dependent on their biological classification. In the aquarium, we find three primary profiles:

• Omnivores and Scavengers: Most species (such as the Mystery or Ramshorn snail) consume detritus, leftover fish food, and decaying plant matter.
• Specialized Herbivores: Species like the Neritina base their diet almost exclusively on algae and biofilm.
• Carnivores: The Assassin snail (Anentome helena) is a specialized predator that feeds on other freshwater snails, serving as a natural ally for population control.

Pillars of a Balanced Diet

To maintain a healthy ecosystem, the following nutritional guidelines are recommended:

• Biofilm and Algae: These are the primary sources for snails like the Neritina. Their cleaning role on glass and plants is essential for tank equilibrium.
• Vegetable Supplementation: For larger species, it is advisable to offer blanched vegetables (boiled for 2 minutes) such as zucchini, spinach, or cucumber. This prevents snails from consuming live aquarium plants due to hunger.
• Calcium as a Vital Component: Shell growth and integrity depend on calcium. If the water is too soft or the diet is mineral-deficient, the shell will become brittle, white, or prone to erosion. The use of calcium blocks or formulated foods is recommended.

Feeding Management and Water Quality

Unlike fish, snails do not require daily feeding, as they utilize the tank’s natural resources. Feeding them two or three times a week is usually sufficient. It is crucial to remove any uneaten food after 24 hours to prevent ammonia spikes.

Warning: Overfeeding is the primary cause of snail overpopulation. Excess fish food acts as a reproductive catalyst for these mollusks.

Essential Care Guide for Freshwater Snails

The maintenance of aquatic gastropods is considerably straightforward compared to other species; nonetheless, their well-being depends on critical environmental factors. Although most species share similar requirements, it is imperative to monitor water quality to ensure they thrive. These organisms show a moderate tolerance to nitrates (<20 ppm) but are extremely vulnerable to the presence of ammonia or nitrites.

Physicochemical Water Parameters

To prevent shell erosion, the pH must be maintained within a range of 7.0 to 8.0. An acidic environment weakens the calcium carbonate structure of their shell, compromising their health. Likewise, snails act as bioindicators of oxygen levels: if you observe them congregating massively at the water’s surface, it is an unequivocal signal that system aeration must be increased.

Temperature and Hardness: The Calcium Factor

The optimal thermal range oscillates between 20°C and 28°C. However, water hardness is the determining factor for their longevity. As reported by Mažuran and Kovačević (2025), approximately 80% of these mollusks’ bodily calcium is absorbed directly from the aquatic medium, while only the remaining 20% is derived from their diet. Therefore, if the water is too soft, the addition of calcium supplements is fundamental to avoid shell degradation.

Coexistence and Tank Mates

The selection of tank mates should prioritize peaceful species. Aggressive fish, such as certain cichlids or large loaches that view them as natural prey, must be avoided. Ideal companions include:

• Neon Tetras and Guppies
• Harlequin Rasboras
• Corydoras

Safety Note: Predatory species such as the Assassin snail (Anentome helena) should not cohabitate with other snails, as the latter constitute their staple diet.

Substrate and Chemical Sensitivity

The type of bottom material is relevant depending on the species’ behavior. The Malaysian Trumpet snail benefits from a sandy substrate for burrowing, while fine gravel is suitable for other species, provided it lacks sharp edges.

Warning: Like other invertebrates, snails are highly sensitive to copper. Before administering parasite medications in the aquarium, verify that the composition is “Copper Safe” or copper-free, as even trace levels can be lethal.

Types of Freshwater Snails for Aquariums

With a catalog exceeding 4,000 registered species, selecting the appropriate gastropod is not a trivial decision. There is no single answer to the question of which species is best; selection must be strictly based on compatibility with the existing ecosystem, the type of vegetation, and the fish or shrimp species cohabitating in the tank.

Correct identification is the primary step toward successful management. In this field, technology is reaching significant milestones: according to research by Nuankaew et al. (2026), object detection models based on the YOLO (You Only Look Once) architecture have been developed. These systems have proven highly effective for the automated identification and classification of economically significant snails. With specific optimizations, this technology promises to become an indispensable tool for aquarists to identify species with surgical precision, preventing the accidental introduction of invasive or harmful varieties.

Critical Factors for Selection

Before introducing a new specimen, it is fundamental to evaluate three pillars:

• Habitat Requirements: Ensure that hardness and pH parameters align with those of the current inhabitants.
• Ecological Role: Determine whether the objective is algae control, substrate aeration, or purely ornamental value.
• Reproductive Potential: Assess whether a slow-reproducing species (such as Neritina) or one with a higher biological expansion capacity is preferred.

Zebra Snail – Neritina natalensis

Hobbyists consider it the best snail for keeping the aquarium clean, as these snails have a higher rate of algae consumption than any other snail. The freshwater zebra nerite snail stands out due to its distinctive stripes.

Another advantage of the nerite snail is that it requires brackish water for reproduction, which solves the issue of overpopulation in freshwater tanks.

Nerite snails are compatible with most plants, fish, and shrimp; however, you need to be cautious to prevent them from escaping.

• Temperature: 21 to 27°C
• GH: 5-8 dGH
• pH: 7.5-8.5
• Size: Up to 4 cm in shell size
• Diet and uses: They feed on algae and are not interested in plants, so if there are no algae in the aquarium, you should provide them with algae wafers or spirulina.
• Reproduction: Both sexes are needed for egg-laying, and brackish water is required for the eggs to develop, making their reproduction very challenging.

Apple Snail – Pomacea canaliculata

Apple snails are the largest aquarium snails. Pomacea canaliculata is a freshwater snail native to tropical and temperate South America (Qin et al., 2020). There are different species, all belonging to the family Ampullariidae. These snails come in a wide variety of colors, including brown, white, yellow, blue, purple, and more.

This river snail consumes leftover artificial food from your fish, along with waste and organic matter, making it an excellent “cleaner” for your aquarium.

In certain countries, like Spain (due to the invasion of rice fields in the Ebro Delta), the breeding of this freshwater snail is prohibited as it is considered a pest. However, it is also being used in animal feed and for aquaculture species (Nusantoro et al., 2024).

Tiger Nerite Snail – Vittina semiconica

The tiger nerite snail, also known as the diamond nerite, stands out for its dark amber color with small black stripes. This snail adapts very well to coexisting with plants and small fish.

Vittina semiconica feeds on algae, plant debris, and uneaten fish food.

• Temperature: 22 – 26°C
• pH: 7.5-8.5
• GH: 5-8 dGH
• KH: 5.15 dKH

Assassin Snail or Carnivorous Snail – Anentome helena

As its name suggests, the assassin snail (Anentome helena or Clea helena) primarily feeds on other snails, which is why it is widely used to eliminate snail infestations in freshwater aquariums. These snails can reach a maximum size of 2.5 cm.

Karmakar et al., (2022) report predation by Anentome helena on freshwater snails Racesina luteola and Physella acuta when raised together in an aquarium.

The assassin snail is native to Southeast Asia and is also a scavenger, meaning it will consume leftover fish food or decaying plant matter. In aquarium shops, the river snail A. helena is one of the most in-demand species.

• Temperature: Between 22°C and 26°C
• pH: Between 7.3 and 8, with slightly hard water

• Diet and Uses: This snail mainly feeds on other snails, making it highly sought after as it is used to control unwanted snail infestations in aquariums.

• Reproduction: Assassin snails are gonochoric (having separate sexes), so if you want to breed them, it’s recommended to start with at least 5 or 6 snails to ensure you have both males and females. Reproduction is slow, as females lay only 1 to 4 eggs per clutch. The eggs are transparent and difficult to see, hatching in about 8 to 9 weeks, depending on the temperature.

False Planorbis – Gyraulus acronicus

This species is distributed in many regions around the world; however, it is abundant in Europe and North America.

Aquariums should have plenty of natural plants, which will favor the growth and reproduction of the snail.

• Temperature: The ideal range is 25-27 ºC, although they can tolerate temperatures as low as 15 ºC and as high as 35 ºC.
• Hardness: 8 to 12 dGH
• pH: 7 or higher
• Size: 5 mm in diameter and up to 2 mm in thickness.
• Diet and Uses: Omnivorous. Their primary food source is the microscopic algae that grow on glass, plants, rocks, and substrate. They also consume detritus.
• Reproduction: Individuals are hermaphroditic, and their sexual reproduction is cross-fertilization. After mating, they deposit clusters of orange and translucent eggs on the leaves and stems of plants. The eggs hatch after more than a week.

Physa sp

• Temperature: Around 23-28 ºC.
• Hardness: Semi-hard to hard water.
• pH: 7.0-8.0
• Size: 1.5 cm long and nearly 1 cm thick.
• Diet and Uses: Generally omnivorous, feeding on decomposing plant material and encrusted algae.
• Reproduction: This snail is considered a pest, although it is very useful in aquariums, so there is obviously no issue regarding its reproduction.

Planorbis corneus

• Ideal Temperature: 20º to 26º
• pH: 7 to 8.5
• Size: Up to 20 mm
• Diet and Uses: Omnivorous and scavenger, commonly used in aquariums to remove leftover food from fish.
• Reproduction: They are hermaphroditic and deposit their eggs throughout the aquarium, hatching in 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the aquarium temperature.

Orange Rabbit Snail – Tylomelania sp. orange

The orange rabbit snail is becoming a favorite among aquarium enthusiasts due to its large size, interesting colors, and rabbit-like appearance.

Tylomelania sp. is native to Sulawesi (Indonesia), can grow up to 10 centimeters in length, and live up to 3 years.

• Ideal Temperature: 76 – 84 °F
• pH: 7.8 – 8.4
• Size: Up to 120 mm
• Diet and Uses: They feed on algae, organic matter such as dead plants, and other detritus, but can also consume uneaten fish pellets.
• Reproduction: They are gonochoric and give live birth.

Trumpet Rabbit Snail – Brotia costula

The trumpet rabbit snail is native to Southeast Asia, mainly Thailand. Brotia costula typically inhabits shallow waters near riverbanks.

• Water Temperature: 20-28 °C
• GH: 10 d
• pH: 6 to 8.5
• Diet: They accept commercial food but also tend to eat detritus and algae.
• Reproduction: They exhibit sexual dimorphism, with females being larger than males. They are viviparous, and females give birth to live young every 14 days.

Thai Piano Snail – Tai naticoides

• Temperature: Ideal at 24 °C, can range from 22 °C to 30 °C.
• pH: 6.5-8
• GH: 10 to 15º
• Size: 3-4 cm
• Diet and Uses: They primarily feed on algae and decaying plant material, although it is advisable to provide them with sinking pellets.
• Reproduction: They can breed in our aquariums and can be either males or females.

Crowned Nerite Snail – Clithon corona

• Temperature: 22 – 26 °C
• pH: 7.5 – 8.5
• GH: 5 – 8 dGH
• KH: 5 – 15 dKH

Yellow Rabbit Snail – Tylomelania sp. yellow

• Ideal Temperature: 23 – 29 °C
• pH: 7.5 – 8.5
• Hardness: 5 – 8 dGH
• KH: 5 – 15 dKH
• Size: Can reach up to 15 cm depending on the species
• Diet and Uses: They generally feed on organic and plant matter and are nocturnal.
• Reproduction: These freshwater snails can reproduce in aquariums if you have at least one male and one female. They reproduce relatively slowly, depositing eggs every 4-6 weeks.

White Wizard Snail or Ghost Piano Snail – Filopaludina martensi

The white wizard snail (Filopaludina martensi) is a species native to Thailand, although it is distributed throughout Southeast Asia.

According to experts, the white wizard snail is easy to care for and has a conical shell that is whitish in color. These freshwater snails are peaceful and quite active in their search for food (mainly algae, detritus, and periphyton).

White wizard snails exhibit sexual dimorphism, with males differentiated by one antenna having a modified shape, and females being larger than males (Sawangproh et al., 2021).

Filopaludina martensi can thrive in a wide variety of aquarium water conditions, but it’s a good idea to keep them in a typical tropical community aquarium with clear water, moderate flow, and oxygen-rich water.

• Ideal Temperature: 22° to 28°
• pH: 7 to 8.5
• GH and KH: Medium to hard.
• Size: Up to 5.5 cm
• Diet and Uses: This snail is a filter feeder, so it’s advisable to provide powdered food.
• Reproduction: They are viviparous and have differentiated sexes.

Giant Rabbit Snail or Devil Snail – Faunus ater cappuccino

The devil snail can reach between 5 to 7.6 cm in length. They are brackish water snails, so their eggs do not hatch in freshwater.

• Temperature: 22 – 26 °C
• pH: 7.0 – 8.0
• GH: 5 – 8 dGH
• KH: 5 – 15 dKH
• Diet: They feed on decaying plant material and uneaten fish food.

Malaysian Trumpet Snail – Melanoides tuberculata

This small snail is the best-known scavenger for maintaining aquariums; however, it can also be the most despised creature on earth when its population gets out of control.

Trumpet snails feed in the substrate during the day, keeping it aerated and removing organic waste. Melanoides tuberculata are excellent scavengers for planted aquariums, shrimp tanks, and aquariums that are heavily stocked or generously fed. The most important thing about these snails is that they do not eat live plants; they prefer algae, fish food residues, dead plants, and dead fish.

• Reproduction: They are parthenogenetic, meaning females can give birth to more females without contact with a male. Therefore, it is almost impossible to get rid of them once they enter your aquarium. Berry et al.(1974) reported that the number of developing young in the brood pouches of trumpet snails increases with the height of the parent snails’ shells.

One method to control freshwater trumpet snail populations is to reduce feeding and regularly siphon the substrate to deprive the trumpet snails of their food source.

The freshwater snail Melanoides tuberculata has been reported as an invasive species in the United States, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Panama, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru, and Venezuela. Therefore, it is recommended to take precautions when breeding them in aquariums.

• Ideal Temperature: 64.5° to 86 °F
• pH: 7 to 8
• Substrate: Sand.
• Size: Up to 2.54 cm

Mystery Snail (Pomacea bridgesii)

Known for its colorful shell, the mystery snail is a peaceful addition to any freshwater aquarium. It comes in various colors such as gold, blue, and ivory, adding visual interest to the tank.

The Best Freshwater Snails for Aquariums

When choosing the best freshwater snails for aquariums, it’s important to consider the tank size, the type of fish present, and the snail’s role in the ecosystem.

• Nerite Snails: Often considered the best option for algae control, they are hardy, do not breed in freshwater, and come in various attractive patterns.

• Apple Snails: Popular for their size and vibrant colors, apple snails add aesthetic value to the tank while also rummaging through waste and leftover food.

• Assassin Snails: Ideal for those battling snail pest outbreaks, assassin snails can help keep populations under control without harming other tank inhabitants.

Pest Control: Strategies for Managing Snail Overpopulation

The emergence of a snail “pest” (commonly from the Physa or Planorbis genera) is, in reality, a symptom of an imbalance within the aquarium. While complete eradication can be complex, it is possible to drastically reduce their population through an integrated management approach.

Direct and Preventive Control Methods

To stabilize your tank’s ecosystem, the following actions are recommended:

• Hygiene Optimization: Regularly vacuum the gravel and remove decaying plant matter. This eliminates the excess detritus that serves as sustenance for the mollusks.
• Feeding Regulation: Reduce the amount of fish food. Nutrient excess is the primary catalyst for demographic explosions.
• Mechanical Removal and Trapping: Specimens can be removed manually or via simple methods, such as placing a blanched lettuce leaf in the tank overnight; removing it in the morning allows for the extraction of a large number of attached snails.

Biological Solutions and the “Predator Effect”

Introducing natural predators is one of the most effective solutions. Species such as the Assassin snail (Anentome helena) or fish like Clown Loaches, certain catfish, and pufferfish are excellent biological controllers.

A revealing scientific aspect of population control is described by Goeppner and Luttbeg (2025). Their study demonstrates that simple exposure to predation risk during early stages alters the snail’s biology: it causes a delay in reproductive maturity, reduces fecundity, and shortens life expectancy. This effect persists even if the threat is removed, suggesting that the presence of predators not only reduces numbers through direct consumption but also physiologically weakens the colony’s reproductive potential.

The Use of Chemical Agents

The use of molluscicides should always be considered a last resort. These chemicals require extreme caution, as they can be lethal to plants, shrimp, and other invertebrates, as well as destabilizing the filter’s bacterial colony.

Safety and Health: Do Freshwater Snails Represent a Genuine Danger?

One of the most frequent questions among novice aquarists is whether snails can compromise the health of fish or humans. Within the controlled ecosystem of an aquarium, the vast majority of species do not represent a direct threat; however, it is vital to understand their role as biological vectors in wild environments.

The Snail as a Vector: Risks in the Wild

Outside the domestic aquarium, freshwater snails are classified among the organisms with the highest impact on global public health. As reported by Chapuis (2026), these mollusks act as intermediate hosts for zoonotic parasites that regulate the spread of severe diseases:

• Schistosomiasis: Linked to species such as Biomphalaria, this pathology is caused by the Schistosoma flatworm. Brees et al. (2021) note that it affects over 200 million people annually, with critical incidence in tropical regions and areas with deficient sanitation.
• Fascioliasis: Another significant health burden that, as indicated by Gaye et al. (2024), represents a challenge for both human and veterinary health, particularly across the African continent.

It is essential to clarify that the danger does not reside in the snail itself, but rather in the parasites it may harbor if it has been in contact with external sources of infection.

Biosecurity in the Aquarium

For aquarium enthusiasts, the risk is virtually non-existent if specimens are captive-bred. Nevertheless, strict protocols must be followed to maintain this safety:

• Management of “Pest Species”: While snails such as bladder or pond snails are not hazardous to human health, their invasive capacity can stress the tank’s ecosystem. Utilizing natural predators, such as the Assassin snail, is the safest route for their control.
• Strict Quarantine: Never introduce snails collected directly from the wild. These can be carriers of liver flukes or schistosomes.
• Disinfection: Any new plant or invertebrate must undergo a disinfection process to prevent the accidental introduction of unwanted hosts.

Conclusion: The Future of Freshwater Snails in Aquarism and Aquaculture

Ultimately, freshwater snails are strategic allies for any aquarist, provided their management is informed and proactive. Their capacity to maintain ecosystem hygiene is invaluable; nonetheless, the key to success lies in maintaining rigorous population control to prevent their presence from becoming invasive.

The selection of the ideal species must not be haphazard. It is a technical decision that must consider compatibility with ornamental fish and chemical water parameters. A proper balance ensures that these mollusks not only survive but also fulfill their biological function efficiently.

Beyond the hobby, these gastropods possess significant economic potential. In countries like Korea, the commercial breeding of species such as Pomacea canaliculata for human consumption is already a consolidated reality (Ghosh et al., 2022). Similarly, in Mexico, the utilization of the Tegololo snail exemplifies how freshwater snail aquaculture can transform into a sustainable and profitable business alternative for rural communities. In this manner, snails transition from being mere tank inhabitants to key protagonists in food security and regional economic development.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Freshwater Snails

References

Berry, A. J., & Kadri, H. (1974). Reproduction in the Malayan freshwater cerithiacean gastropod Melanoides tuberculata. Journal of Zoology, 172(3), 369-381. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7998.1974.tb04113.x

Brees, J., Huyse, T., Tumusiime, J., Kagoro-Rugunda, G., Namirembe, D., Mugabi, F., … & Jacobs, L. (2021). The potential of citizen-driven monitoring of freshwater snails in schistosomiasis research.

Chapuis, E. (2026). Freshwater Snails at the Biodiversity–Climate–Health Nexus: A Call to Recognize Neglected Models for Eco-Evolutionary and One Health Research. Ecology and Evolution, 16(2), e73113. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.73113

Gaye, P.M., Doucouré, S., Sow, D. et al. Freshwater snail-borne parasitic diseases in Africa. Trop Med Health 52, 61 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41182-024-00632-1

Ghosh, S.; Meyer-Rochow, V.B.; Jung, C. Farming the Edible Aquatic Snail Pomacea canaliculata as a Mini-Livestock. Fishes 2022, 7, 6. https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes7010006

Goeppner, S.R., Luttbeg, B. Early-life, but not late-life, exposure to predator cues reduce the lifespan and reproductive output of freshwater snails. Oecologia 207, 139 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00442-025-05779-0

Karmakar, R., P. Paul and G. Aditya: Predation and prey preference of the exotic snail Anentome helena on two freshwater snails: implications for species invasion. J. Environ. Biol., 43, 293-298 (2022).

Mažuran, N., & Kovačević, G. (2025). Effects of External Calcium Concentrations on Calcium uptake in Freshwater Snail Planorbarius Corneus L. Croatian Journal of Fisheries: Ribarstvo, 83(3), 133-139.

Ng TH, Tan SK, Wong WH, Meier R, Chan S-Y, Tan HH, et al. (2016) Molluscs for Sale: Assessment of Freshwater Gastropods and Bivalves in the Ornamental Pet Trade. PLoS ONE 11(8): e0161130. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0161130

Nuankaew, W., Aunban, J., Kansuree, T., Nuankaew, K., Nuankaew, K., & NUANKAEW, P. (2026). A Practical YOLO Approach to Classifying Thai Freshwater Snails of Economic Significance. Journal of Applied Data Sciences, 7(1), 670-685. doi:https://doi.org/10.47738/jads.v7i1.1099

Nusantoro, S., Natsir, M. H., & Sjofjan, O. (2024). Nutritive Value of Golden Apple Snail (Pomacea canaliculata) as Animal and Aquaculture Feed. Reviews in Agricultural Science, 12, 147-164.

Qin, Z., Yang, M., Zhang, JE. et al. Effects of salinity on survival, growth and reproduction of the invasive aquatic snail Pomacea canaliculata (Gastropoda: Ampullariidae). Hydrobiologia 847, 3103–3114 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-020-04320-z

Sawangproh, W., Phaenark, C., Chunchob, S., & Paejaroen, P. (2021). Sexual dimorphism and morphometric analysis of Filopaludina martensi martensi (Gastropoda: Viviparidae). Ruthenica, Russian Malacological Journal, 31(2).

Strong E. E., Gargominy O., Ponder W. F. & Bouchet P. (2008). “Global Diversity of Gastropods (Gastropoda; Mollusca) in Freshwater“. Hydrobiologia 595: 149-166. hdl.handle.net doi:10.1007/s10750-007-9012-6. 

Milthon Lujan

Editor at the digital magazine AquaHoy. He holds a degree in Aquaculture Biology from the National University of Santa (UNS) and a Master’s degree in Science and Innovation Management from the Polytechnic University of Valencia, with postgraduate diplomas in Business Innovation and Innovation Management. He possesses extensive experience in the aquaculture and fisheries sector, having led the Fisheries Innovation Unit of the National Program for Innovation in Fisheries and Aquaculture (PNIPA). He has served as a senior consultant in technology watch, an innovation project formulator and advisor, and a lecturer at UNS. He is a member of the Peruvian College of Biologists and was recognized by the World Aquaculture Society (WAS) in 2016 for his contribution to aquaculture.