Chinese Mystery Snail
Cipangopaludina chinensis
Report it
If you think you have found an aquatic invasive species:
- do not return the species to the water
- take photos
- note:
- the exact location (GPS coordinates)
- the observation date
- identifying features
- contact us to report it
Learn about the Chinese Mystery Snail, including their identifying features, distribution, habitat, spread, similar species, impacts and our response.
On this page
Chinese Mystery Snail (Photo credit : D. Boudreau, Saint Mary's University)
The Chinese Mystery Snail, also known as Oriental Mystery Snail, is a mollusc, part of the larger class Gastropoda. This freshwater snail is said to have been illegally introduced to North America by the aquarium trade.
Identifying features
- between 6.5 cm and 7 cm in size
- thick spherical shell
- winding of the shell is made up of 6 to 7 whorls separated by prominent sutures (lines of contact between the turns)
- colour ranging from olive green to a greenish brown or reddish brown
If you think you have seen a Chinese Mystery Snail, report it.
Where is the species invasive
The Chinese Mystery Snail was first reported in the Niagara River in 1931, in Lake Erie in the 1940s and Lake Champlain in 2003. After its introduction, the Chinese Mystery Snail was spread by water gardens, watersports, and recreational fishing. It has also been found in various freshwater bodies in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Distribution
The Chinese Mystery Snail is native to East Asia.
Habitat
The Chinese Mystery Snail lives ponds, marshes, rivers, lakes, and irrigation canals, in depths less than 3 m where currents are slow, and substrate is predominantly mud or loam. It is also found in areas with sandy and gravel substrates. This snail is absent from large rivers with high currents.
Similar species
Several other species of freshwater snails are native to Canada so experts are often needed to differentiate them. The Chinese Mystery Snail also closely resembles the invasive Banded Mystery Snail and the Japanese Mystery Snail (Cipangopaludina japonica) – another snail originating from East Asia – whose shell is more elongated than that of the Chinese Mystery Snail. In Canada, the Japanese Mystery Snail is only found in Lake Erie.
Banded Mystery Snail
Photo credit: L. M. Campbell, Saint Mary's University
Japanese Mystery Snail
Photo credit: Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Impacts
Ecological impacts
The Chinese Mystery Snail is a large snail which reproduces quickly and can reach high population densities (more than 40 individuals/square meter). It affects the diversity of algae growing in its habitat, alters the water quality, and reduces the food supply for native snail species. Thus, its presence can have a negative effect on native snail species, can displace them and reduce their populations. The Chinese Mystery Snail can also attack fish eggs and reduce survival rates.
Socio-economics impacts
This large snail is capable of clogging water pipes. Removal of this species from infrastructure can be costly and time consuming..
Response
The Identification Booklet of Freshwater Invasive Species in Quebec from DFO is available to make the detection of the Chinese Mystery Snail easier.
Popular with aquarists and water garden owners, the Chinese Mystery Snail can be accidentally or intentionally introduced into the environment through these activities. To prevent the spread of this species, all necessary precautions must be taken. The best way to protect water bodies from this invader is to properly clean, drain and dry your boats and other equipment used in nautical and recreational fishing activities. Don't let it loose and follow the clean-up steps described on the DFO Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention page. Always check and follow provincial regulations when planning to move water-based craft and equipment.
Photo gallery
Chinese Mystery Snail (Photo credit: L. M. Campbell, Saint Mary's University)
Related links
- Chinese mystery snail and banded mystery snail identification photos and characteristics
- Science Advice on "Clean, Drain, Dry and Decontaminate" treatments and protocols to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species (PDF, 632 KB)
- Research Document on "Clean, Drain, Dry, and Decontaminate" treatments and protocols to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species
- Science Advice on the Potential of Introducing Live Organisms by the Aquarium, Water Garden, and Live Food Trades in Canada (PDF, 1192 KB)
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