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Trapdoor snails 'Viviparus viviparus'

Trapdoor snails 'Viviparus viviparus'

plants and garden

Regular price £11.50 Sale

Originating from Japan and China, these attractive freshwater snails produce beautiful spiral shells of a dark greenish or yellowish colour, and are excellent at clearing algae from the pond. Additionally they feed on dead foliage, plankton and other microdebris. They can also help clear the pond of excess fish food, which prevents overeating for fish. 

The name 'Trapdoor' is given due to its ability to produce an operculum, a tough plate that protects it from predators and mitigates dehydration. It can seal itself for several months if necessary. 

As they have gills and not lungs, they can survive underwater (even frozen) and can be classed as fish. They can be found in deep water and require water that is calcium rich and a high oxygen content.

As a useful guide we recommend 5 snails per m². 

UK Native

Your snails will be picked and packed carefully to ensure they arrive to your door alive and fresh. Please unpack orders as soon as possible.

During the "Available Season" we aim to deliver all orders between Tuesday and Friday. According to our stock availability orders might be placed on hold until plants are in a suitable condition to be sent or in case you have placed an order out of Available Season. We will keep you informed via email about a delivery date.

Our couriers will leave orders with a neighbour or in a cool shaded area if there is no one at the address provided.

Please note that we only ship to the UK.