Japanese Trapdoor Snail – The Graceful Gardener of the Aquarium 🌸🐌

Scientific Name: Cipangopaludina japonica
Category: Freshwater Snails

🐚 Serenity in a Shell

Elegant, peaceful, and endlessly helpful, the Japanese Trapdoor Snail (Cipangopaludina japonica) glides through aquariums with quiet purpose—cleaning algae, aerating substrate, and adding a touch of natural beauty wherever it goes. Named for its operculum (the “trapdoor” that seals its shell shut), this species is famed for both its durability and grace.

Originally native to East Asia, these snails have become beloved among shrimp keepers and pond enthusiasts for their longevity, gentle cleaning habits, and livebearing nature—meaning no unsightly egg clutches will appear in your tank.

🔍 What to Expect:

• Shell: Smooth, spiral-shaped, olive to brown with golden undertones

• Size: 1–2 inches as adults

• Lifespan: Up to 5 years (sometimes longer!)

• Behavior: Peaceful scavenger, primarily active at night

• Reproduction: Livebearing (no eggs laid on surfaces)

💧 Care & Conditions:

• Temp: 68–78°F (20–26°C)

• pH: 7.0–8.2 (prefers stable, alkaline water)

• Hardness: Moderate to hard water for strong shell health

• Diet: Algae, detritus, leftover food, and biofilm

• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel (enjoys gentle burrowing)

• Tankmates: Shrimp, snails, peaceful fish

✅ Why You’ll Love Them:

• Peaceful and plant-safe—won’t harm your aquascape

• Excellent algae grazers and detritus cleaners

• No overpopulation issues—slow, livebearing breeders

• Long-lived and hardy; great for ponds and aquariums alike

• Fascinating “trapdoor” behavior when resting or startled

🎁 Bonus Tip:

Maintain calcium-rich water or provide a cuttlebone for strong shell growth—your Trapdoor Snail will reward you with a glossy, healthy shell that lasts for years. 🌿🐚