1 Juvenile Blueberry Snail (Viviparus sp.)

$5.00

Discover the rare and captivating Blueberry Snail, a peaceful freshwater snail with a distinctive appearance— with a rich mahogany shell and a striking blue to violet body speckled with yellow to orange freckles that add a dramatic accent to any aquarium. Scientifically classified within the Viviparidae family, this snail gives birth monthly to a live miniature copy of the adults. They are 1–1.5 inches in size when fully grown and are perfect for hobbyists looking to elevate their aquascape with something truly unique.

[Juvinial snails will be shipped around the size of a soaked chickpea. 8–12 mm in diameter]

Sexing Blueberry Snails

While Viviparussnails are nearly identical in size, color, and shell shape, you can visually distinguish males from females by examining their antennae. Males have one straight antenna and one curled or coiled antenna, which functions as part of their reproductive anatomy. Females have two straight antennae. This subtle difference is best observed when the snails are actively exploring, as their antennae extend forward. For breeding purposes, keeping a group of 4–6 or more increases the likelihood of having both sexes in your setup.

Water Conditions

  • Temperature: 68°F–82°F (20°C–28°C)

  • pH: 7.2–8.2 (alkaline preferred)

  • Hardness: Moderate to high (GH 8–20+)

  • Tank Size: Minimum 2.5 gallons

  • Water Type: Freshwater only

Tank Setup

  • Substrate: Sand, crushed oyster shells, fine gravel, or bare bottom

  • Plants: Safe for planted tanks

  • Filtration: Moderate flow recommended, sponge filter is preferred

  • Decor: Provide driftwood or rocks (note: rocks may cause shell damage as the snails rub up against them.)

  • Avoid copper-based medications or fertilizers

Feeding

  • Diet: Algae, biofilm, detritus, suspended particulate, paramecium, infusoria, leftover food

  • Supplemental vegies: Blanched vegetables such as zucchini and spinach

  • Supplements: Sinking algae wafers, calcium-rich pellets

  • Also enjoys: Leaf litter such as mulberry, Indian almond, and oak leaves

Behavior & Compatibility

  • Non-aggressive

  • Slow-moving filter feeders / gentle grazers

  • Peaceful temperament; ideal for community tanks (can be bullied by other inhabitants- fish, pest snails, and shrimp)

  • Occasionally blueberry snails will burrow into the substrate and feed on mulm.  Shallow substrate can assist to mitigate this behavior.

  • Not recommended to be hosed with aggressive / predatory fish, ramshorn snails, bladder snails, most pest snails who will indiscriminate rasp on their soft foot and shell causing stress and damage (shell pitting)

  • Not recommended to be housed in tanks with snail leeches, scuds, or planaria.

Breeding

  • Livebearers (no egg clutches)

  • Reproduce slowly, mature females give birth monthly to fully formed young

  • Best results in mineral-rich, stable freshwater

Care Tips

  • Add crushed oystershells, coral, or cuttlebone to boost mineral levels

  • Acclimate slowly to prevent shock

  • Avoid chlorinated water- aged water is preferred

Discover the rare and captivating Blueberry Snail, a peaceful freshwater snail with a distinctive appearance— with a rich mahogany shell and a striking blue to violet body speckled with yellow to orange freckles that add a dramatic accent to any aquarium. Scientifically classified within the Viviparidae family, this snail gives birth monthly to a live miniature copy of the adults. They are 1–1.5 inches in size when fully grown and are perfect for hobbyists looking to elevate their aquascape with something truly unique.

[Juvinial snails will be shipped around the size of a soaked chickpea. 8–12 mm in diameter]

Sexing Blueberry Snails

While Viviparussnails are nearly identical in size, color, and shell shape, you can visually distinguish males from females by examining their antennae. Males have one straight antenna and one curled or coiled antenna, which functions as part of their reproductive anatomy. Females have two straight antennae. This subtle difference is best observed when the snails are actively exploring, as their antennae extend forward. For breeding purposes, keeping a group of 4–6 or more increases the likelihood of having both sexes in your setup.

Water Conditions

  • Temperature: 68°F–82°F (20°C–28°C)

  • pH: 7.2–8.2 (alkaline preferred)

  • Hardness: Moderate to high (GH 8–20+)

  • Tank Size: Minimum 2.5 gallons

  • Water Type: Freshwater only

Tank Setup

  • Substrate: Sand, crushed oyster shells, fine gravel, or bare bottom

  • Plants: Safe for planted tanks

  • Filtration: Moderate flow recommended, sponge filter is preferred

  • Decor: Provide driftwood or rocks (note: rocks may cause shell damage as the snails rub up against them.)

  • Avoid copper-based medications or fertilizers

Feeding

  • Diet: Algae, biofilm, detritus, suspended particulate, paramecium, infusoria, leftover food

  • Supplemental vegies: Blanched vegetables such as zucchini and spinach

  • Supplements: Sinking algae wafers, calcium-rich pellets

  • Also enjoys: Leaf litter such as mulberry, Indian almond, and oak leaves

Behavior & Compatibility

  • Non-aggressive

  • Slow-moving filter feeders / gentle grazers

  • Peaceful temperament; ideal for community tanks (can be bullied by other inhabitants- fish, pest snails, and shrimp)

  • Occasionally blueberry snails will burrow into the substrate and feed on mulm.  Shallow substrate can assist to mitigate this behavior.

  • Not recommended to be hosed with aggressive / predatory fish, ramshorn snails, bladder snails, most pest snails who will indiscriminate rasp on their soft foot and shell causing stress and damage (shell pitting)

  • Not recommended to be housed in tanks with snail leeches, scuds, or planaria.

Breeding

  • Livebearers (no egg clutches)

  • Reproduce slowly, mature females give birth monthly to fully formed young

  • Best results in mineral-rich, stable freshwater

Care Tips

  • Add crushed oystershells, coral, or cuttlebone to boost mineral levels

  • Acclimate slowly to prevent shock

  • Avoid chlorinated water- aged water is preferred