For a certain species of animals to be deemed invasive, they must be relentless predators, one that consumes the resources of other species, or a group that reproduces tremendously. Any class of animals that affect the natural survival of natives is a problem. With the controversy surrounding the invasion by apple snails as a whole, it’s normal to wonder whether mystery snails are invasive or illegal to own and I’ve got you covered on all that mess.
Some mystery snails such as Chinese mysteries are indeed invasive species in some areas as they are a type of apple snail that is already being targeted as pests. Currently, some apple snails have been banned from being imported, bought, or bred in certain areas of North America due to their affinity for invasion.
Since mystery snails differ, you must fully understand the differences between the Chinese and the spike-topped to comprehend how invasive they are. This article will help you answer your questions on which type of mystery snails you have and how invasive they can become.
How Are Mystery Snails Invasive? Chinese Vs Spiked Mystery Snails
Spike-topped mystery snails get invasive because they are competitive feeders. They are omnivores and detritivores which sets them in competition with the other animals in the same habitat as them such as some freshwater shrimp and crabs.
Coupled with the fact that mystery snails will reproduce much faster than other invertebrates in the same habitat, they will slowly cause a shortage of resources, starving their fellow inhabitants and reducing the population of their counterparts. This is when spiked mysteries become invasive and then begin to attract legal measures to help handle the situation.
The colorful mystery mollusk by itself (Pomacea bridgesii) is not considered as invasive as Chinese mysteries (cipangopaludina chinensis) or the other species of apple snails. In specific, the spike-topped are not as hardy as their cousins and are often a bit more difficult to breed, even when done intentionally. This is because their eggs stand a harder chance of hatching into baby snails due to their need for specific conditions such as humidity and temperature.
In comparison, the other apple snails are much more prolific breeders and are also adaptable to brackish and freshwater environments, unlike spiked mystery snails that survive in freshwater alone. Their eggs also hatch much easier than that of mystery snails causing them to be more invasive. In fact, there are now volunteers dedicated to removing the eggs of these apple snails on sight to help control the invasion.
The table below will help you differentiate between the highly invasive mystery snails and the non-invasive kind.
| Spike-Topped Mystery Snails | Chinese Mystery Snails |
|---|---|
| They have conical shells | They have globular shells |
| They come in various colors | Only available in yellowish-brown |
| They have spikes on their shells | Only have smooth shells |
| They measure from 1 to 2 inches | They measure up to 3 to 4 inches |
| They are native to South Asia and North America | They are native to Southeast Asia |
| They feed on mostly detritus | They feed on live plants, frog eggs, and detritus |
| They live in only freshwater | Can survive in both fresh and brackish water |
| They are not invasive | They are highly invasive |
The Dangers Of Mystery Snails As Invasive Species
Not only do mystery snails affect the habitats and resources of other freshwater inhabitants, but they also pose a threat to the health and food production of humans. Here are 5 ways mystery snails endanger the environment:
Mystery Snails Carry Lungworm Disease
Apple snails, including mystery snails, are known to carry deadly pathogens of lungworm disease infused in their slime which can cause meningitis in humans when ingested. If you interact with an infected snail and mistakenly eat the parasite, you could be a victim of the ailment.
The problem is that due to how invasive and widespread mystery snails are, the tendency of an infected mystery to pass the parasites to other inhabitants in the area is high. So not only do you now have parasite-infected mystery snails, but you’d also have shrimp, crabs, and frogs harboring lungworm parasites which will furthermore spread the disease.
Mystery Snails Are Competitive Eaters
One of the differences between apple snails and the subcategory mystery snails is that apples eat live plants while mysteries don’t. Instead, mystery snails will compete with other detritivores such as shrimp and aquatic snails native to the freshwater they invade. This will naturally disturb the food chain of other inhabitants who may not be able to compete with the ever-growing population of mystery snails.
Mystery Snails Are Lousy Inhabitants
Chinese mystery snails are notorious for clogging pipes which in turn leads to leakage and wastage. They enjoy crawling into nooks and crannies, will eventually die there, and end up causing blockages with their shells. In the end, taxes are used toward fixing the leakages and problems caused by the species.
Usually, the spike-topped mystery snails are not the types responsible for clogging pipes, but they’re capable of entering drainages by “parasnailing”. They relish riding currents and tracking down detritus which could just be in your plumbing if you live close to infested lakes or rivers.
Mystery Snails Can Affect Nitrogen Cycles
Mystery snails are heavy consumers and equivalent pooping machines! They graze on decaying matter endlessly and poop to equalize their consumption. If there is an invasion of mystery snails, it will mess up the nitrite cycle of the environment putting their species and other animals in danger. The nitrite cycle is responsible for dissolving ammonia which is toxic to aquatic animals. If this cycle is imbalanced, aquatic slugs, local shrimp, small fish, and native snail species are automatically endangered.
Crop Destruction Are Results Of Mystery Snail Invasion
Again, the Chinese mystery snails took a great toll on rice farming when they kept getting released into lakes and rivers. They would eat rice roots in massive numbers and lay eggs on their stems. This would later on diminish the economy of rice farming first in the Philippines and later in parts of the US.
How Does Mystery Snail Invasion Affect Pet Ownership?
If you are interested in owning a mystery snail but are concerned about the legal aspects, I can understand why. Several factors are affected by the ownership and breeding of mystery snails considering their tendency to get invasive. However, the legalities vary from area to area. Some apple snails are illegal to own and breed in several states of the United States, including some parts of Australia and the European Union.
The issue is that the spiked mystery snails get mistaken for the invasive Chinese apple snails even when they’re not as prohibited. More media output is necessary to bring full awareness to the differences between the two. For now, you can purchase spike-topped mystery snails from local fish stores around you or from aquarists willing to trade theirs to you.
I have debunked three major myths surrounding mystery snails below:
Myth 1: All Apple Snails Are Illegal
In most states, the shipment of Apple snails requires permits aside from the spike-topped apple snails (pomacea bridgesii). These laws set on the import of apple snail species are not unanimous in every area, as some developed earlier than others and others are stricter.
For example in Florida, and I quote “Effective 5 April 2006, USDA-APHIS requires permits for importation or interstate shipment of all marine and freshwater snails. Permits are not being issued for members of the genus Pomacea, except for the spike-topped applesnail, P. diffusa (FFWCC 2006). To ship any of these species without a permit is a violation of United States federal law.”
Myth 2: Mystery Snails Can Be Dumped In Lakes
It is highly dangerous to dispose of your mystery snails into rivers and lakes after a change of mind. In some places, it’s illegal by law and you may be fined for doing so. Whether you have the spike-topped apple snail or its cousins such as the Chinese apple snails, do not dump them in the wild. The best way to go about it is by euthanizing them.
Myth 3: We Can’t Own Mystery Snails
Spike-topped mystery snails are also native to North America which automatically scrapes them off the invasive list in those areas. This means that you can own them without getting any attention from the legal system. However, you should not transport them interstate or buy them from pet stores without legal permits.
Despite them being the non-invasive kind since they don’t destroy live plants, they can still compete with local inhabitants for food, diminishing the pyramid in that area. This directly leads to other species migrating out of their native areas looking for more food, or simply dying out from starvation.
How Do I Safely Dispose Of My Mystery Snails?
The best way to go about it is by euthanizing them. Use force to crush them quickly in the most humane way possible to minimize the snails’ suffering. Either that, or you may simply place them in the freezer to gently euthanize them.
Some local stores with permits may purchase your snails from you, especially if you have the colorful spike-topped mystery mollusks. As for the highly invasive Chinese mystery snails, they are usually advised to be crushed on sight to help reduce the invasion.
