A fairly new entrant to the aquarium trade, the blueberry snail (Viviparus sp.) is a sight to behold. With their dark blue coloring and orange-flecked bodies, they make a stunning addition to any freshwater aquarium.
Knowing how to care for blueberry snails will help you create the right conditions for them to thrive while adding beauty to your tank.
Species Snapshot
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Species Name: Viviparus sp.
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Common Names: Blueberry snail
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Size: 1-2 inches
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Lifespan: 1-3 years
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Native Distribution: Papua, Indonesia
Whether you’re setting up a new tank or adding stock to an existing setup, the blueberry snail is definitely worth considering. Not only do they make strong additions to a freshwater cleanup crew, but they don’t reproduce as quickly as other snails (so they won’t overrun your tank).
Here’s what you need to know about caring for this beautiful species.
Taxonomy and Appearance
The blueberry snail was only discovered recently, so it has yet to be fully described. It’s currently classified as Viviparus sp., and most specimens available in the aquarium trade are wild-collected from Papua, Indonesia. In the wild, these freshwater snails are found in rivers and tributaries, lush with vegetation.
As you might expect from their name, blueberry snails have dark blue bodies. What makes them really stand out, however, is the vibrant orange flecks adorning their skin. Shell color varies but is generally dark, often ranging from midnight blue to deep violet. Some hobbyists have described blueberry snails as living gems for this reason.
Ideal Aquarium Setup
Though relatively little is known about the specifics of blueberry snail care, it stands to reason that their care requirements are similar to other freshwater snails. Understanding how to care for blueberry snails starts with replicating their natural environment in the aquarium.
Here are some recommendations for setting up a blueberry snail tank.
Tank Size
Blueberry snails remain fairly small, growing up to 2 inches in diameter, so they are a great fit for nano tanks. The minimum recommended tank size is 10 gallons, but it depends on whether you’re keeping other stock in the tank.
A larger tank will cultivate more biofilm and algae for your blueberry snail to eat, so consider starting with a 20-gallon tank.
Water Parameters
Because they’re native to Papua, Indonesia, blueberry snails require fairly warm water. The ideal temperature range is 76-84°F, and it’s best maintained with an aquarium heater. Check the temperature regularly with an in-tank thermometer and make adjustments as needed to ensure stability.
Like other snails, blueberry snails prefer hard, alkaline water with enough mineral content to keep their shells healthy. Aim for a pH between 7.5–8.5 and a water hardness level of 2-15 dKH or 6-22 dGH. If you notice your snail’s shell starting to erode, you may need to add supplemental calcium.
Tank Décor
The best setup for blueberry snails is a planted tank with plenty of porous surfaces like driftwood and rock to accumulate biofilm. Blueberry snails seem to prefer softer substrate (like sand) and aquarium plants they can easily climb to feed on algae growth.
Diet and Feeding
Blueberry snails are omnivorous grazers, so they’ll eat just about anything they can find in the tank. Though they generally won’t bother healthy plants, they’ll feed on decaying plant matter as well as leftover fish food, algae, and biofilm.
A large, mature tank may be able to keep a blueberry snail well-fed, but it doesn’t hurt to supplement your snail’s diet with sinking pellets or wafers and blanched vegetables.
There’s some evidence to suggest blueberry snails are also opportunistic filter-feeders able to obtain food directly from the water column. The best way to supplement your snail’s diet may be to use very fine foods, like fry powder or finely crushed flakes.
Temperament and Tank Mates
The blueberry snail is a peaceful species that does well in freshwater community tanks. They’re compatible with shrimp and other snails as well as smaller fish like livebearers, tetras, barbs, and rasboras.
Their daily routine reflects typical freshwater snail behavior, with much of their time spent grazing, exploring, and staying clear of aggressive species.
Breeding Blueberry Snails
Unlike some freshwater snails, blueberry snails don’t reproduce in massive numbers. They’re livebearers that produce roughly 1-3 baby snails every few weeks. If you want to prevent reproduction, keep only a single snail or multiple snails of the same sex. Keep in mind that it may be difficult to differentiate the sexes until your snails mature.
Once they’ve matured, you can tell the difference between male and female blueberry snails by the morphology of their antennae. In female blueberry snails, the left and right antennae are equally sized. In males, the right antenna is thicker and more prominent. You’ll need both a male and a female if you want your blueberry snails to reproduce.
The key to breeding blueberry snails (aside from having both a male and female present) is to keep the conditions in your tank stable. High water quality is a must, and your snails need to be fed a varied diet as well.
In healthy conditions, blueberry snails may only reproduce once a month, and the babies are very slow-growing. It’s wise to keep your tank and filter intake covered to protect them.
Other Care Tips
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Buy your blueberry snails from a reputable supplier, as most specimens currently available are wild-collected and may be more susceptible to stress and disease.
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Acclimating your snails slowly can help reduce the risk of mortality when introducing them to your tank (the drip method is recommended).
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Blueberry snails prefer fine gravel or sandy substrate because it’s less likely to cause them harm as they move over it or filter through it to find food.
Final Thoughts on Blueberry Snail Care
Caring for blueberry snails can be a rewarding experience, especially when you provide the right tank setup, diet, and conditions for them to thrive. These unique freshwater snails not only add beauty to your aquarium but also contribute to its overall balance.
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