Apple Snail
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Scientific Name
Pomacea canaliculata - Visit ITIS for full scientific classification.
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Description
Apple Snail. Michelle Lande © 2013 Regents, University of California
Apple Snail. Michelle Lande © 2013 Regents, University of California- Usually a large light brown, rounded shell with 5-6 spirals.
- Can get up to 6 inches in shell size, and have variable coloration.
- Has a large oval opening, and bright pink egg masses.
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Habitat
- Amphibious, but mainly aquatic.
- Lives in wide variety of environments.
- Found in swamps, ponds, lakes, rivers, agricultural areas, etc.
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Invasion Pathways and Distribution
- Native to South America.
- Present in multiple southern California counties.
- Believed to have arrived in U.S. through intentional introduction(s) for food and/or aquarium trade.
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Life History
- Varied herbivorous diet.
- Individuals are either male or female, with internal fertilization and very high fecundity.
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Impacts
- Feed heavily on aquatic plants.
- Agricultural rice pest, with rapid reproduction.
- Outcompetes natives for resources.
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References and Useful Links
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