Bladder Snail

Physa acuta is a small, robust freshwater snail with a sinistral (left-handed) coiled shell found worldwide in ponds, rivers, and aquariums. Despite its reputation as a pest snail, it provides genuine tank-cleaning services by consuming algae, detritus, and uneaten food. It reproduces quickly when overfed, but populations are easily managed by controlling food levels.

Water: 15–28°C, pH 6.5–8.0; extremely tolerant of varied water conditions but calcium helps shell quality. Tank: Minimum 10L; survives and thrives in virtually any freshwater setup. Feeding: Algae, uneaten fish food, decaying plants; a true opportunistic omnivore. Behaviour: Active, fast-moving snail visible throughout the day on all tank surfaces. Compatibility: Safe with fish; populations can boom if overfeeding occurs — control by feeding sparingly.