Black Mystery Snail - Small

The Black Mystery Snail is a popular freshwater aquarium snail known for its dark shell, peaceful nature and entertaining behaviour. These snails make an attractive addition to planted and community aquariums, where they can often be seen exploring the glass, substrate, plants and decorations.

Mystery Snails are useful scavengers that feed on leftover food, soft algae and decaying organic material. However, they should not be relied upon as a replacement for regular aquarium cleaning and maintenance.

This listing is for small Black Mystery Snails, making them an excellent option for aquarists wanting to watch their snails grow and develop.

• Common Name: Black Mystery Snail
• Scientific Name: Pomacea diffusa
• Size: Small / juvenile
• Adult Shell Size: Approximately 4–5cm
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Care Level: Easy
• Minimum Tank Size: Approximately 20 litres+
• Temperature: Approximately 20–28°C
• pH: Approximately 7.0–8.0
• Diet: Omnivorous / scavenger
• Aquarium Level: Substrate, glass, plants and hardscape
• Social Behaviour: Peaceful
• Lifespan: Approximately 1–2+ years with appropriate care

Feeding

Although Mystery Snails will naturally graze throughout the aquarium, they should receive an appropriate supplementary diet.

Suitable foods include:

• Algae wafers
• Sinking pellets
• Specialised snail foods
• Blanched zucchini
• Blanched spinach and other suitable vegetables
• Calcium-rich foods formulated for aquatic snails
• Naturally occurring biofilm and soft algae

Remove uneaten vegetables and other foods before they begin to significantly deteriorate and affect water quality.

Shell Health & Calcium

Black Mystery Snails require adequate minerals, particularly calcium, to maintain healthy shell development.

Poor water conditions or insufficient mineral availability can contribute to shell erosion, pitting or weak new shell growth.

Maintaining stable water conditions and an appropriate mineral content is particularly important while small snails are actively growing.

Aquarium Care

Provide:

• Stable freshwater conditions
• Good filtration
• Regular partial water changes
• Suitable calcium and mineral availability
• Plenty of surfaces for grazing
• A securely fitted aquarium lid
• A small air gap above the waterline where appropriate

Mystery Snails can travel above the waterline and may escape from uncovered aquariums, so a secure lid is strongly recommended.

Tank Mates

Black Mystery Snails are peaceful and can be kept with many community aquarium species.

Avoid housing them with fish known to attack or eat snails, including many aggressive cichlids, puffers and other dedicated snail predators.

They can also be kept with many peaceful shrimp and small community fish when water requirements are compatible.

Important Information

Avoid aquarium medications or treatments containing copper or other ingredients harmful to aquatic snails and invertebrates unless the product is specifically confirmed as safe for them.

Mystery Snails may occasionally remain inactive for extended periods. Always confirm whether a snail is alive before removing it from the aquarium.

Shipping

• Australia-wide shipping available where permitted
• Snails are carefully packed for safe transport
• Local pickup available by appointment from Fins 'N' Feathers
• Shipping availability may depend on destination, weather conditions and applicable biosecurity restrictions

Live Arrival

Please inspect livestock immediately upon arrival. If there is an issue with your snail, contact Fins 'N' Feathers as soon as possible and within our applicable live-arrival period, providing clear photos in the unopened transport packaging where required.

Live snails cannot be returned for change of mind.

Black Mystery Snails are live animals and natural variation should be expected. Individual shell size, shape, colour intensity and markings may vary. This listing is for small/juvenile snails, and exact size will vary between individuals.