Zebra apple snail (Asolene spixi)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Beginner
Key facts and care guidance for Zebra apple snail (Asolene spixi) (origin: South America (Brazil)). Adult size around shell ~2.5–3.5 cm. Life expectancy 1–3 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Zebra apple snail: How big does the enclosure need to be?
An aquarium from 30 l (a small group); a soft floor for digging.
Zebra apple snail: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 20–26 °C (water temperature), at night 20–26 °C (water temperature).
Zebra apple snail: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: No UVB needed.
Zebra apple snail: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 1–3 years.
Zebra apple snail: Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 20–26 °C (water temperature)
- Night temperature
- 20–26 °C (water temperature)
- Basking spot
- —
- Humidity
- — (water snail; pH 6.5–8.0, GH 5–20 °dGH)
- UVB
- No UVB needed
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- an aquarium from 30 l (a small group); a soft floor for digging
- Substrate
- A soft sand or fine gravel floor; roots and stones as hides; a planted aquarium
Feeding
- Food
- Omnivorous: algae and biofilm, dead plants, blanched vegetables (cucumber, courgette, spinach), snail food; it also eats other snails' egg clutches
- Feeding interval
- Top up several times a week; in the tank they also graze on algae growth
Key facts
- Adult size
- shell ~2.5–3.5 cm
- Life expectancy
- 1–3 years
- Origin
- South America (Brazil)
- Protection status
- No CITES. Do not release it into local waters (potentially invasive).
- Brumation
- None.
- Cohabitation
- Group keeping is possible (sociable). Note: it occasionally eats other snails' clutches and young – so do not combine it with delicate breeding projects (dwarf shrimp offspring or other snail cultures, for example).
Notes
A purely aquatic snail – it lays its clutches UNDER water (unlike Pomacea). Regular water changes matter. Avoid copper in the water (toxic to invertebrates). It needs calcium and hard water for its shell.
Do you keep this species?
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Related species
- Giant African land snail (Lissachatina immaculata) – Beginner
- Roman snail (Helix pomatia) – Beginner
- Flame land snail (Limicolaria flammea) – Beginner
- Garden snail (Cornu aspersum) – Beginner
- Giant African land snail (Lissachatina fulica) – Beginner
- Giant West African land snail (Archachatina marginata) – Beginner
- Cuban land snail (Caracolus sagemon) – Intermediate
- Giant land snail (Megalobulimus oblongus) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Zebra apple snail (Asolene spixi) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (an aquarium from 30 l (a small group); a soft floor for digging), substrate (A soft sand or fine gravel floor; roots and stones as hides; a planted aquarium), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 25 September 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://aquariumbreeder.com/spixi-snail-guide-care-diet-and-breeding/, https://www.garnelio.de/en/zebra-apple-snail-asolene-spixi
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).