Bladder Snail

Physella acuta

Also known as: Pond Snail, Tadpole Snail, Acute Bladder Snail

A tiny, tough cleanup snail that usually arrives as a hitchhiker on live plants.

Water

Freshwater

Temperature

60–82°F

pH

6.5–8

Hardness

5–18 dGH

Max size

0.5 in

Min tank

2 gal

Temperament

Peaceful

Social

Groups

Swim level

Bottom

Diet

Omnivore

Care level

Beginner

Lifespan

1 year

Breeding

Egg-layer

Suitability

Common

Origin

North America, now worldwide

Eats algae, detritus, and leftover food without harming healthy plants. It is hermaphroditic and breeds fast, so populations explode when food is plentiful. Control numbers by feeding less, or add assassin snails or pea puffers.