Chinese Mystery Snail

(Cipangopaludina chinensis)

Classification

  • Kingdom: Animalia

  • Phylum: Mollusca

  • Class: Gastropoda

  • Order: Architaenioglossa

  • Family: Viviparidae

  • Genus: Cipangopaludina

  • Species: Cipangopaludina chinensis

Common Names

  • Chinese Mystery Snail

  • Oriental Mystery Snail

  • Asian Apple Snail

Identification

  • Appearance: Has a globular, conical shell with 6-7 whorls, each separated by a deep groove.

  • Size: Adult shells typically range from 40 to 55 mm in height, but can reach up to 65 mm.

  • Color: Shell color varies from olive green to brownish, often with bands of darker color.

Habitat

  • Distribution: Native to East Asia, including parts of China, Korea, and Eastern Russia. Invasive in North America, Europe, and other parts of Asia.

  • Natural Habitat: Prefers freshwater habitats such as lakes, ponds, marshes, and rivers. Tolerates a range of conditions but favors slow-moving, vegetated waters.

Ecological Role

  • Diet: Omnivorous, feeding primarily on algae, detritus, and dead plant material. Can also consume small invertebrates.

  • Impact on Ecosystem: As an invasive species, can compete with native snails and disrupt local ecosystems. Their dense populations can clog water intake pipes and other infrastructure.

Behavior

  • Reproduction: Viviparous, with females giving birth to fully developed juveniles. This reproductive strategy contributes to their successful spread and establishment in non-native areas.

  • Activity Patterns: Mostly active during cooler parts of the day and less active during hot periods. In colder regions, they may go into dormancy during winter.

Conservation and Management

  • Status: Not considered endangered in its native range; however, it is often targeted for control in areas where it is invasive.

  • Management Practices: Includes mechanical removal and environmental modifications to discourage establishment and spread. Public education on preventing the spread of invasive species is also crucial.

Research

  • Ongoing research focuses on the ecological impacts of Cipangopaludina chinensis in invaded regions, effective control methods, and its role in the transmission of diseases such as trematodes to wildlife and humans.