Magenta Mystery Snail

Your tank's cleanup crew just got a lot more colorful.

Magenta Mystery Snails (Pomacea bridgesii) are peaceful, hardworking algae eaters with a shell color that actually stands out in a planted tank. They'll work through algae, detritus, biofilm, and even hair algae, all without bothering your plants, fish, or shrimp.

Pomacea bridgesii is a completely different (and legal) species from Apple Snails, just similar in shape.

Why hobbyists keep them in every build:

• Voracious algae eaters — tackles algae, detritus, fish waste, and hair algae
• Shrimp safe — fully compatible with Neocaridina and Caridina tanks
• Peaceful community snail — won't bother plants, fish, or tankmates
• Striking color — magenta shell adds a genuine pop in planted aquascapes
• Grows 2–3 inches — large enough to be a centerpiece, not just a cleanup crew

Cassandra's Notes:

These little guys play such an important role in a balanced aquarium! They are nature's recyclers, and work tirelessly to scrub detritus, algae and fish poo from your tank.

Peaceful and easy-going, you may see them resting on green foliage in order to scrub away any algae or biofilms on the surface.

These guys are undemanding, but would prefer a planted, community tank within normal parameters. They do like a bit of cuttlebone here and there to keep their shells hard and clear. Grab some of that here: Cuttlebone by Weight. Keep your PH above 7, or their shells could begin to erode!

These snails may reproduce in a freshwater aquarium if you keep more than one together. They'll climb up above the surface of your water (keep a good lid), and lay a clutch of pearly eggs. Simply remove if you do not want more snails around.

If you do not see any visible algae anywhere in your aquarium, it would be pertinent to place a blanched piece of vegetable on the substrate every few days. Be sure to remove within the day, as you won't want to foul up your water! They will also happily accept little algae wafers (the kind advertised for bottom feeders such as Plecos).

Care Requirements:

• Species: Pomacea bridgesii
• Size: 2–3 inches at maturity
• Temperament: Peaceful
• pH: 7.0+ (shell health)
• Compatibility: Shrimp safe, community tank safe
• Diet: Algae, detritus, blanched vegetables, algae wafers
• Tank note: Keep water level a few inches from the top; secure lid required
• Variants: Single ($9.99), Pack of 3 ($25.99), Pack of 6 ($39.99)

Under 40°F where you are? Don't forget your Heat Pack.

Looking for a different color? Browse the full Mystery Snail collection.

Want to learn more? Read: Mystery Snail Magic: Your Complete Aquarium Care Guide