River Snail (Filopaludina martens)
River Snail (Filopaludina martens) is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Product Refunds & Returns
- Returns can be processed within 14 days from purchase.
- To return products, they must be in original condition
- Shipping expenses are not refundable
- If your items have been damaged in shipping, please contact us within 24 hours of receipt with photos, and we will assist you.
Dead on Arrival (DOA) Policy – Shipped Orders Only
- We guarantee live arrival on all shipped livestock when:
- The package is received on the first delivery attempt.
- Clear photos of the unopened shipping bag and deceased animal are emailed to us within 2 hours of delivery confirmation.
- If these conditions are met, we will provide a replacement or store credit. Shipping charges are non-refundable.
7-Day Livestock Guarantee (Local & Shipped Orders)
- We guarantee our livestock for 7 days from purchase/delivery if our care recommendations and tank requirements were followed.
- Proof Required: We may require photos of the deceased animal, proof of purchase (receipt/order number), and/or a water sample from your tank for testing.
Livestock Refunds, Returns, & Surrenders
- Local customers may return livestock within 72 hours of purchase for a refund, provided the animal is alive and in original condition. Returns must be brought to the store; we do not provide pickup services.
River Snail (Filopaludina martens)
River Snail (Filopaludina martens)
Description
Description
Filopaludina martensi is a large, peaceful freshwater snail highly valued both in the wild and in the aquarium hobby for its striking shell, gentle behavior, and useful scavenging role.
Taxonomy & Identification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Mollusca
- Class: Gastropoda
- Family: Viviparidae
- Genus: Filopaludina
- Species: Filopaludina martensi (Frauenfeld, 1864)
It is a gill‑breathing, operculate snail, meaning it has a hard “trapdoor” (operculum) that seals the shell when the animal retracts for protection.
Natural Distribution & Habitat
Filopaludina martensi is native to Southeast Asia, occurring in:
- Thailand
- Cambodia
- Laos
- Vietnam
- Malaysia
- Indonesia
- Philippines
In the wild, it inhabits slow‑moving or still freshwater systems such as canals, ponds, rice paddies, swamps, and ditches, usually over muddy or sandy substrates.
Physical Description
- Shell shape: Ovate‑conical, thick, and sturdy
- Whorls: 6–7 rounded whorls; last whorl swollen
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Shell color:
- Wild forms: greenish‑brown to dark brown/black
- Aquarium “white” forms: creamy white to ivory with a darker apex
- Apex: Sharp, often violet‑black
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Size:
- Height up to 55 mm (≈ 2.2 in)
- Width up to 31 mm (≈ 1.2 in)
The operculum is horn‑colored with a subtle golden sheen and concentric growth lines.
Behavior & Ecology
- Temperament: Very peaceful and shy
- Activity: Mostly nocturnal, though acclimated individuals may forage during the day
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Feeding mode:
- Filter‑feeds using gills
- Grazes on biofilm, detritus, and microorganisms
Unlike many snail species, it is live‑bearing (viviparous). Females carry developing young internally and give birth to fully formed juveniles, usually at night. Brood size ranges from 0–14 young per female.
Aquarium Care Guide
Tank Requirements
- Minimum tank size: 10 gal (≈ 40 L) recommended
- Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel (important to prevent foot damage)
- Decoration: Driftwood, rocks, live plants
- Lighting: Moderate (encourages biofilm)
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 20–28 °C (68–82 °F)
- pH: 7.0–8.5 (neutral to alkaline)
- Hardness: Medium to hard (important for shell health)
Stable water quality is critical; sudden changes can cause long periods of inactivity or shell deterioration.
Diet
Filopaludina martensi is an omnivorous scavenger, not a heavy algae eater.
Recommended foods:
- Algae wafers
- Sinking pellets
- Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, cucumber)
- Biofilm and decaying plant matter
Calcium supplementation (cuttlebone, mineral blocks) is advised to prevent shell erosion.
Compatibility
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Safe with:
- Small peaceful fish
- Shrimp
- Other non‑aggressive snails
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Avoid:
- Loaches
- Snail‑eating cichlids
- Puffers
They do not damage live plants and reproduce slowly, so overpopulation is rarely an issue.
Specifications
Specifications
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CategorySnails
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Species TypeNerite Snail
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Water Temperature
-
Minimum Tank Size5 Gallons
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Water pH LevelNeutral, Alkaline
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Habitat PreferenceRocky Tanks, Planted Tanks, Driftwood
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BehaviourCommunity Fish, Solitary, Nocturnal, Bottom-Dwelling
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