Banded Mystery Snail (Viviparus georgianus) – Wild Caught Freshwater Snails for Aquariums & Natural Filtration

Viviparus georgianus

The Banded Mystery Snail (Viviparus georgianus) is an excellent addition to freshwater aquariums, known for its role as a natural tank cleaner and efficient detritus eater. With its attractive banded shell and peaceful nature, this wild-caught snail helps to keep tanks clean by consuming algae, uneaten food, and organic waste, promoting a balanced ecosystem. These snails are hardy and low-maintenance, making them ideal for aquarists looking to enhance both the beauty and health of their aquarium environment.

Key Features:

• Natural Tank Cleaner: Banded Mystery Snails are highly effective at cleaning aquariums by grazing on algae, decaying plant matter, and excess food. Their foraging helps maintain water clarity and reduces the buildup of waste.
• Attractive Appearance: The distinctive banded shell of this species adds visual interest to any aquarium. Their swirling patterns of browns, greens, and yellows make them a unique and beautiful addition to tanks.
• Low-Maintenance Filtration: These snails contribute to the natural filtration system of the tank, helping to keep it clean with minimal effort. They require little care beyond basic water parameters and are easy to integrate into most freshwater setups.
• Wild-Caught, Hardy Species: Viviparus georgianus is a hardy, adaptable species that thrives in a range of freshwater conditions. These wild-caught snails are acclimated to aquarium life and will settle in quickly to their new environment.
• Peaceful & Compatible: Banded Mystery Snails are peaceful creatures that get along well with most tank mates, including other snails, shrimp, and non-aggressive fish. They are ideal for community tanks or planted aquariums.

Care Tips:

• Tank Size: A 5-gallon tank is suitable for a couple of snails, but larger tanks will allow them to thrive even more, especially if you want to keep a small colony.
• Water Conditions: These snails do best in water temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C) and prefer a pH range of 6.5-8.5. They thrive in hard water, which helps keep their shells strong and healthy.
• Feeding: Although Banded Mystery Snails primarily feed on algae and detritus, you can supplement their diet with algae wafers, blanched vegetables (such as zucchini or spinach), and bottom feeder pellets.
• Calcium: Ensure that the water has enough calcium to maintain healthy shell growth. You can add calcium supplements or cuttlefish bones to the tank for additional support.
• Substrate: A soft substrate like sand or fine gravel is recommended to prevent damage to their delicate shells. They also appreciate driftwood and plants to explore and graze on.

Tank Mates:

Banded Mystery Snails are peaceful creatures that can cohabitate with a wide variety of freshwater species. Ideal tank mates include:

• Tetras
• Guppies
• Mollies
• Platies
• Shrimp
• Corydoras Catfish
• Other Snail Species (e.g., Nerite snails, Assassin snails)

Avoid keeping them with aggressive or predatory fish like loaches or puffers, which may attempt to eat them or harm their shells.

Why Choose Banded Mystery Snails?

• Natural Algae Control: With their appetite for algae, these snails reduce the need for manual cleaning, providing a sustainable solution for maintaining a clear and healthy tank.
• Low Maintenance: Ideal for beginner and experienced aquarists alike, these snails are easy to care for and require little attention beyond basic tank upkeep.
• Wild-Caught Authenticity: These snails are responsibly sourced from natural environments, bringing a piece of the wild into your home aquarium.
• Enhances Aquarium Aesthetics: Their beautiful banded shells add natural beauty to your aquascape, creating a more visually dynamic tank.

Breeding Information:

Banded Mystery Snails are livebearers, meaning they give birth to fully developed juvenile snails instead of laying eggs. In well-maintained tanks with sufficient food and calcium, they may breed occasionally. To avoid overpopulation, it’s important to monitor their numbers or limit conditions that promote excessive breeding.

Specifications:

• Scientific Name: Viviparus georgianus
• Common Name: Banded Mystery Snail
• Care Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Max Size: 1.5 inches (3.8 cm)
• Tank Size: Minimum 5 gallons
• Diet: Herbivore/Detritivore
• Water Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Water pH: 6.5-8.5
• Origin: North America (wild-caught)

Order Your Banded Mystery Snails Today!

Introduce these efficient, hardy, and attractive Banded Mystery Snails to your freshwater tank for natural filtration and low-maintenance care. Their peaceful nature, combined with their algae-eating habits, will help keep your aquarium sparkling clean while adding a touch of beauty.