The U. S. Regulated Plant Pest List does not include regulated non-quarantine pests, which are present and may be widely distributed in the United States. Under certain circumstances, the USDA APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) and USDA APHIS Veterinary Services (VS) issue permits for the importation of regulated organisms used for pet purposes.
The US Animal Welfare Act (AWA) explicitly states that lists of regulated pests are established by an importing contracting party to specify all currently regulated pests for which phytosanitary measures may be taken. Specific lists of pests are also established by the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWSJ), which aims to reduce agricultural losses caused by wildlife and protect human health.
Ports of entry for plant pests, means of conveyance, or other products or articles of any character are regulated by the regulations in this part. Uncontrolled pests in a plant pose a food safety risk because they may contaminate ingredients, fish products, packaging materials, labeling fish, crustaceans, etc. There have been doubts among Member States on whether whole insects were covered by the former Novel Food Regulation.
Freshwater pests can include a range of organisms, including species of plants, algae, fish, turtles, frogs, snails, leeches, crayfish, and insects. Some species of invertebrate organisms fall into this category and are regulated by USDA because they are plant pests. Pest species of fish and plants must be controlled or eradicated if they threaten the success of restoration projects.
IPIFF believes that insects as feed will soon become a reliable alternative or addition to fishmeal for aquaculture, poultry, and pig species.
| Article | Description | Site |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory Pest Control : Apply Pesticides Correctly | A third Federal agency involved in regulatory pest control is the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). One of its missions is to reduce the agricultural losses … | nepis.epa.gov |
| U.S. Regulated Plant Pest Table | PPQ regulates the US Regulated Plant Pest List under the authority of the Plant Protection Act. We use specific criteria when developing and updating the list. | aphis.usda.gov |
📹 Pest fish: Koi Carp and the CarpN Neutral project
Waikato Regional Council’s freshwater ecologist, Dr Bruno David, talks about the pest fish koi carp, his award-winning project, …
What Is The PPQ Part Per?
One part per quadrillion (ppq) refers to a concentration of one part in 1, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000 (10^15) parts, represented mathematically as 10^-15. To provide context, this measurement is roughly equivalent to two and a half minutes out of the Earth's age of 4. 5 billion years. The conversion of parts per million (PPM) to ppq can be done using the formula: PPQ = PPM x 1, 000, 000, 000. For instance, a solution with a concentration of 20 PPM equates to 20 billion ppq.
Parts-per notation, including ppq, is commonly utilized to quantify dilutions in chemistry, particularly for assessing the concentration of dissolved minerals or pollutants in water. One ppm indicates a property present at a ratio of one part per million, akin to a weight-by-weight percentage. Additionally, 1 part-per-trillion (ppt) corresponds to 1, 000 parts-per-quadrillion. Therefore, the formula for conversion is: ppq = ppt x 1, 000. Being a low concentration measurement, ppq is useful in many scientific fields.
The Parts Per Converter serves as a tool for converting between various parts-per units, such as PPM, PPB, and PPT. Essentially, one ppq illustrates a minuscule concentration—demonstrating its significance in detecting trace amounts of substances, for instance in environmental monitoring or chemical analysis. Overall, ppq is vital in identifying extremely low levels of contaminants or substances in various contexts, and understanding its conversion and implications is crucial in environmental science, chemistry, and related fields.
Are Certain Species Protected By CITES?
CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, also known as the Washington Convention, is a multilateral treaty established in 1973 to protect endangered plants and animals from over-exploitation through international trade. As of December 2024, it safeguards over 40, 900 species, including approximately 6, 610 animal species and 34, 310 plant species, by regulating their trade across borders.
CITES categorizes protected species into three Appendices based on their conservation status and the degree of protection required:
- Appendix I: This appendix includes species threatened with extinction. Trade in these species is strictly prohibited except under exceptional circumstances, such as for scientific research. Notable examples include cheetahs, panda bears, grey whales, and giant armadillos.
- Appendix II: Comprising roughly 5, 600 animal species and 30, 000 plant species, Appendix II lists species that are not necessarily endangered but may become so if their trade is not regulated. This includes species like American ginseng, American alligators, paddlefish, lions, mahogany, and various corals. Trade in Appendix II species requires appropriate permits to ensure sustainability.
- Appendix III: This appendix contains species that are protected in at least one country, which has requested assistance from other CITES members to control their trade. Trade in these species is regulated through CITES export permits issued by the country listing the species and certificates of origin from other countries.
CITES operates by requiring permits and certificates for the trade of listed species, ensuring that international commerce does not threaten their survival. The treaty addresses various forms of trade, including live specimens, fur coats, and dried parts like ivory. Although fungi are not listed in any appendix, CITES plays a crucial role in conserving biodiversity by regulating the trade of numerous animal and plant species. Ivonne Higuero serves as the Secretary-General of CITES, overseeing its implementation and effectiveness in protecting vulnerable species worldwide.
How Are Invasive Species Regulated?
In the U. S., numerous Federal and State agencies regulate invasive species, but no uniform standards exist across geographic areas. Preventing the transport and introduction of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) often requires legislation to control imports of unwanted species, particularly in ornamental trade. This situation is paralleled in the EU by the Invasive Alien Species Regulation (Regulation (EU) 1143/2014), which outlines measures for managing invasive alien species, focusing on a specific list of species deemed a Union concern.
Invasive species mainly spread through unintentional human activities via global transportation of people and goods. These non-native organisms threaten global biodiversity, ecosystems, and economies, with a past report highlighting their role in 60% of recorded extinctions. Yale experts underscore the complexity of mitigating these risks, advocating for cooperative efforts across jurisdictions. The EU Regulation, effective since January 2015, imposes restrictions on 49 invasive non-native species, including bans on keeping, importing, breeding, and releasing these species into the environment.
In Great Britain, strict regulations are in place, requiring licenses for the management of certain widely spread species and prompt reporting of any non-native species found. Lastly, the IAS Regulation is crucial for the UK's biosecurity, emphasizing necessary preventive measures against the intentional or accidental introduction of invasive species.
How Many PPQ Batches Are Required?
The necessity for the number of Process Performance Qualification (PPQ) batches in process validation has evolved, moving away from the traditional "rule of three." Historically, three PPQ batches sufficed for demonstrating consistency in low-risk processes, underpinned by strong knowledge and control strategies. However, regulations do not explicitly dictate a set number of PPQ batches; instead, the required amount should derive from the process's residual risk.
Current guidance by the FDA emphasizes risk-based decision-making informed by process knowledge gathered during Stage 1 (Process Design) in conjunction with the anticipated outcomes of Stage 2 (PPQ). The determination of the number of validation batches can utilize statistical methods to assess between-batch variation and residual risks associated with low, moderate, or high-risk processes, which could result in the requirement of 6, 12, or 15 batches, respectively.
This evolving approach recognizes that the number of PPQ batches is not merely statistical but is also influenced by a deep understanding of the process, product, and site specifics. Manufacturers are encouraged to base their rationale for the number of batches on robust product and process knowledge rather than adhering strictly to a predefined model.
In summary, while three batches were once deemed adequate, the contemporary strategy calls for a more nuanced and flexible determination of the number of PPQ batches, maintaining that a thorough understanding of process variables and risks is essential for assuring product quality and consistency across future manufacturing. Therefore, the assessment of necessary PPQ batches should reflect the complexity and inherent risks of the specific process.
What Is The Difference Between PQ And PPQ?
PQ (Performance Qualification) and PPQ (Process Performance Qualification) are both essential product qualification processes in manufacturing, but they differ in focus and scope. PQ targets the performance of individual equipment or systems, ensuring they operate effectively under specified conditions, particularly in challenging worst-case scenarios that apply to all products produced on a manufacturing line.
In contrast, PPQ adopts a broader perspective, assessing the entire manufacturing process, including variations in raw materials, equipment, personnel, and environmental factors, to verify process capability under routine or nominal conditions.
PPQ is crucial in the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, ensuring consistent and reliable production processes. It encompasses two key elements: the design and qualification of facilities and equipment for their intended use and the performance of the process under normal operating conditions, thereby confirming reliability and consistency. Furthermore, the FDA has recommended a lifecycle approach to process validation, dividing it into three stages: Stage 1 (Process Design), Stage 2 (Process Performance Qualification), and Stage 3 (Continued Process Verification).
While some categorize PPQ into Pre-Production Qualification and Product and Process Qualification, it fundamentally follows the Installation Qualification and Operational Qualification steps (collectively referred to as IQ and OQ) in the validation process. Overall, PQ is essential for identifying potential issues early, while PPQ validates that the entire manufacturing process meets product specifications consistently over time. Understanding these distinctions is vital for effective process validation in manufacturing settings.
What Is A PPQ 526 Permit?
PPQ Form 526 is the Application for Permit to Move Live Plant Pests or Noxious Weeds, necessary for importing live plant pests and noxious weeds both domestically and internationally. Applicants must submit this form to the USDA. The permit is essential for the importation, interstate transportation, and environmental release of various organisms, including plant pests, biological control agents, bees, and federally listed noxious weeds. Specifically, it covers most insects, mites that affect plants and products, and certain invertebrate herbivores related to non-native weeds.
USDA APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) introduced an online option for submitting these applications through APHIS eFile, simplifying the process for users. This includes step-by-step video guidance for applicants. The requirement for a PPQ 526 permit falls under the Plant Protection Act of 2000 and is crucial for plant pathologists working with these organisms.
It is critical to understand that failure to comply with permit regulations can lead to significant penalties—altering, forging, or unauthorized use of the permit could incur civil penalties of up to $250, 000. Therefore, thorough knowledge and adherence to the submission process is vital for successful application and compliance.
In addition to the movement of pests, a PPQ 526 permit is also required for importing soil intended for isolating microbes, beneficial or otherwise. Comprehensive guidelines provide necessary instructions for completing the application, alongside inspection protocols, facility features, and pertinent permit details.
Effective from October 1, 2022, the permit requirement extends to the importation of earthworms and related products, underscoring the broad scope of regulations concerning the movement of plant pests and related organisms under USDA oversight.
How Much Does A PPQ 526 Cost?
The Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) 526 permit is essential for the importation, interstate movement, and environmental release of biological control organisms related to plant pests and weeds. Although obtaining the necessary permits involves time and effort, the application process itself is free. Governed by the Plant Protection Act of 2000, the USDA APHIS allows users to submit PPQ 526 applications electronically through the APHIS eFile system.
Permits are mandatory for the movement of various organisms important to plant pathologists. Typically, applicants must prepare and forward the required documentation to the nearest USDA APHIS PPQ Plant Inspection Station. While there are no service charges for most PPQ permits, exceptions exist, such as a $70 fee for the Protected Plant Permit related to endangered species imports.
The average processing time for PPQ 526 applications is about 19 weeks, with over 4, 000 applications received annually. Amendments to permits can be made up to three months before their expiration. Users must create a valid profile to apply for these permits. As of October 1, 2022, those importing earthworms and related products must also acquire a PPQ 526 permit.
In summary, the process of securing a PPQ 526 permit is financially accessible, aimed at ensuring the safety of agriculture while facilitating legal importation and movement of specific organisms.
What Is The PPQ Regulation?
Under the Plant Protection and Honeybee Acts, a PPQ 526 permit is required for importing, interstate movement, and releasing plant pests like insects, mites, snails, slugs, and pathogens. The PPQ protocol specifies procedures for the qualification process, encompassing various tests to validate the manufacturing process's robustness and reliability. Process Performance Qualification (PPQ) is crucial for ensuring ongoing product quality by recording essential conditions, controls, and testing outcomes during production.
The FDA advises that PPQ protocols include principles of process validation for human and animal drug production, emphasizing a lifecycle approach since 2011, composed of Process Design, PPQ, and continuous improvement.
PPQ systematically verifies that manufacturing processes consistently produce products meeting quality standards. Often referred to as the second phase of Process Validation, PPQ is integral to guaranteeing the safety, efficacy, and quality of pharmaceutical products, adhering to stringent regulatory guidelines.
Under the Plant Protection and Honeybee Acts, and through programs from APHIS PPQ, measures are taken to protect crops and forests from harmful pests by regulating the importation of specific plants and products. PPQ evaluates risks associated with plant pests and enforces regulations to prevent their introduction into the U. S. By understanding and following permit conditions for organisms managed in facilities, employees contribute to compliance with PPQ regulatory requirements. Addressing invasive pests, PPQ may also establish domestic pest programs depending on funding and regulatory priorities, ensuring the nation's plant resources are safeguarded effectively.
Is The PPQ Discontinued?
In mid-2021, Walther launched a new pistol series named the PDP (Personal Defense Pistol), available in barrel lengths of 4 inches, 4. 5 inches, and 5 inches. This marked the beginning of the transition away from their PPQ models, which they officially discontinued by the end of 2023, including the P99 Final Edition. The PDP is designed to be more modular and versatile than previous models, featuring a slide milled and drilled for optics with a matching cover plate for those who opt not to use optics.
While the primary PPQ series was slowly phased out starting in 2021, limited runs of the P99 continue to be produced in Europe with new shipments arriving in the USA periodically. This means that while the PPQ and certain models of the P99 have been discontinued, the P99 itself has not been completely phased out.
The PDP has three slide lengths and two frame sizes to allow shooters to customize their firearm according to personal preferences. Despite the discontinuation of the PPQ, many enthusiasts still appreciate its grip and reliability, often expressing regret over its discontinuation.
Various sources have confirmed the cessation of PPQ production, with collectors expressing desire to acquire them before they become scarce. Although some users prefer the handling of the PPQ, the PDP is appealing due to its modular design and modern features. As of January 2021, it was officially stated that both the PPQ line and certain P99 models would be discontinued, leaving room for consumers to adjust to the upcoming PDP lineup. However, Walther will continue to support discontinued models, ensuring that parts and service remain available for these popular firearms.
Do Federal Laws Address Invasive Species?
While there is no singular law addressing all invasive species concerns, multiple federal laws manage various aspects of the issue, dating back to the Lacey Act of 1900, which seeks to limit the introduction of harmful species. Agencies like Michigan State University and Michigan Sea Grant have provided resources on federal responses to invasive species, yet comprehensive legislation remains elusive. Executive Order 13112, issued on February 3, 1999, tasked federal departments to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species, creating a fragmented regulatory landscape.
Two primary regulatory approaches exist: one focuses on specific species, while the other tackles general pathways for species introduction. The National Invasive Species Act (NISA) of 1996 enhanced the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990, mandating regulations on ballast water, a major vector for aquatic invaders, and supporting research funding for prevention and control efforts. Legal frameworks established by various laws authorize federal agencies, such as the USDA and DOI, to intervene where invasive species have spread.
Some laws indirectly limit introductions of invasive species, contributing to an evolving response framework. The establishment of the National Invasive Species Council (NISC) under Executive Order 13112 facilitates interdepartmental coordination, addressing federal invasive species actions collectively.
📹 How Bad Are Pest Snails for Your Aquarium?
Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:30 What are pest snails? 2:06 1. Ramshorn Snail 3:10 2. Malaysian Trumpet Snail 4:16 3. Bladder Snail …
hi guys i’m 14 and regularly go out fishing with my mates in auckland lakes for pest species as u mentioned as well as tench and rudd just curious as were wanting use a trap instead of siting out there for hours on end for one fish, if there’s any methods u can sujet that would be greatly appreciated . thanks Ben P.S i also have permission from doc and auckland council to fish for them providing i abide by the rules you’ve mentioned.
Ever thought of as long as people sell them very expensive there might always be a Koi invasion, & as long as invasive grass carp or whatever invasive carp types are help feed the poor stopping poor people from having food your keeping the poor to exist because healthy food is expensive so get licenses as though people can afford it robbing people from eating food from waters is evil ? . Say get a job, no how many times s/o tried to get a job and no one would higher them ?. Ever heard of being dumb assuming things when don’t ask many questions & never been there nor in their shoes ever ?. Is that a form of evil ?.
ive been keeping fish for decades, around 40 years at least. for me “pest snails” are like an indicator of your water quality. they will die if the ph is wrong or you will see their shells crack. having them means that the water quality is just about right. depending on the species they are rather sensitive creatures.
I always heard about how bad bladder snails were until I found a few in my tank after adding some plants I had ordered. Was worried because of all the bad things ppl were saying. But honestly, I actually love them. Always a good deal when you buy something and get freebies. Lol.. I love how you pointed out that overfeeding increases the population, by cutting back on feeding, you can better control their population. Something like myself didn’t even consider when first going into the hobby and I’m sure many out there also don’t realize that trick. Very well done. 👍
At the start I would pick out every snail I saw, but I’ve found they never grow to an adult age and never become a pest as I don’t overfeed the tank. Their population will only grow as long as there is available food, but controlling feeding I find controls their population and I quite like that all the baby ramshorn and trumpet snails are nocturnal so even less of a bother as they get to work while I’m asleep and in the day I don’t see them
I have pink and blue rams horn snails in one of my aquariums. Love them. They actually crossbred, I think, and I have some purple ones. They keep algae off my plants and decor. I keep sponges on my intake so have never had them clog my filter. They actually keep my sponge filter cleaner longer. Had a population explosion once. I was overfeeding. Once adjusted they adjusted. I understand some don’t like the look of them but I see nothing but friends with benefits.
They go along in helping break down dead and dying plant matter in an aquarium. Not to mention consume the food that gets in between plants and wi rot otherwise. Finally they really help keeping a dirtied tanks substrate healthy by churning the capping material. They breed uncontrollably only when there is excess food. Which shows you might have other more serious issues than pest snails.
I love snails, especially bladder snails coz they multiply and grow very fast. I am also a proud owner of clown loaches. I keep snails for my loaches. My loaches have been in my care since the begining of 2008, and they are still going strong. They are getting old by age, but you cant tell coz they are very active, very healthy and bright.
I like most snails. Corey from the Co-op has a lot of good to say about the bladder snails. While it is a slow process you can control the density of the population by not overfeeding. I really like Nerite snails but it would be better to just have males. You can buy snail traps that work but if you put some food in one spot, you can pick them out. If you have a puffer you can freeze them and feed them. My favorite snail is the Gold Mystery Snail. One in a 20 long is all you need. Rabbit snails are pricey but they are slow to reproduce. Someone near me is selling an assassin snail which can be a good tool to use. Snails are a part of any Clean up crew, always have been, they are the first step in breaking biowaste down. Good article, I’ll subscribe!
Hey Nick @KeepingFishSimple! I noticed in some of your tanks you have hydra… hopefully not in the fry tanks. I’ve lost small fish to hydra unfortunately. Easy enough to treat though! Great article on snails! I prefer MTS over ramshorns as they are easier to control the population and don’t destroy plants in my opinion.
I’ve had ramshorns and bladders in my tanks and ponds for decades. I never have too many because most get eaten by the fish while they are small. They live everywhere in the tanks and filters. The shells of deceased snails used to be annoying clogging up my syphon but I hardly ever clean my tanks anymore, mainly just top ups, so that’s no longer an issue. The plants, fish and snails in good balance work well because apart from feeding twice a day I have almost no other work to do except getting rid of overgrown plants.
I see those Hydras in your Ram’s head snail tank. Ugh. I am new at aquariums ( very new, but have always loved nature ) My new and pretty much first 3 gallon shrimp tank has detritus worms on the glass. Are Detritus worms good or bad ?, do shrimp and/or snails eat them ?? I started a natural substrate lil’ tank with compost capped with 2″ of sand and put in various plants before putting in my shrimp and lil’ snails. I have what I hope is bio-film forming around the gravel and sand substrate. I have a magnifying glass and did see some tiny round life jetting around. ???
Awesome article! Just wanted to point out one thing: while these snails do have both reproductive organs, they need another snail to breed with (they don’t self-fertilize as you suggested). Basically they kinda do the 69 where both members get pregnant. The reason every tank can get a population of these snails even with one snail added is that since they reach reproductive age so quickly, most of the ones that will end up in the tank are most likely already pregnant.
I love ramshorn snails!!! They are all over my planted tanks and they clean the hell of my tanks. The plants dont have ANY algae on them and they look so healthy. I dont even need to clean the glass any more because of how hard working they are and i dont even dose with fert because of their poop. SOOO many people are missing out of how wonderful these pest snails are!!! I honestly think ramshorn snails are the best gardeners to have in your aquarium.
I like having snails in my aquarium. I have a ton of algae growing in there and the separate species compete a lot, and they clean up any rotting biomatter. On that note its nice that they produce some extra biowaste because this increases how many plants I can keep fertilised in the tank. When I first added non algae plants to the tank, I had to manually tear down some algae because there wasn’t enough natural fertiliser for them all, and new additions will always be at a disadvantage against already established growth. So yeah, you actually want a lot of things pooping in your tank if you’re like me and you love having a lush green jungle. Of course make sure to not overdo it, if you don’t have aggressive wild algae you could have more poop than plant demand for long enough to harm your fish I reckon.
I like snails. I have ramshorn, bladder/pond snails and mystery snails. I do have to ‘manage’ them due to their rapid growth. I have even set up some tanks just for them. Since they like to eat my beloved sword plants, I have just started feeding all snails some raw spinach which they love. When I get too many baby bladder snails, I reluctantly crush the younger ones as their shells are softer. The fish and other snails then eat them. I started making some green algae water for the snails which they LOVE. Thanks for the helpful article! USA
I myself actually paid to get blue ramshorn snails. Love them but i’ve always hated bladder snails tho I just recently ended up with a few more in my quarantine/hospital tank. I just pick them out whenever i happen to see one i don’t stress about it. They are easy to spot because they move much faster than my ramshorns.
I see you have some snails crawling over the Hydra pests. When I bought my mystery nails and put them in a tank populated with Hydra that thrived off of the brine shrimp I was feeding, they seemed to receive very painful stings from the Hydra. I cleaned the tank but I’m interested to see your snails not flinching when crossing the tentacles.
I have a Pakistani loach (aka yoyo loach) in my tank and he really doesn’t not eat enough of them to make a noticeable difference (mind you he’s only about 4 inches big). I have some bought snail traps with dropping prongs to trap them which works well over night with an algae wafer but it does require it be taken out each morning and replaced each night. While it wont get rid of them it certainly does help to control them and keep them at manageable levels. Some will also include bars or another form of blocker to prevent fish from entering the trap. I’m now waiting for them to repopulate enough to clear some of the algae build up 🙂 It’s all about balance. If you are noticing bits of floating plants, it’s likely due to snails eating rotting sections caused by lack of nutrients to support the plants. Add in some aqua soil between a gravel layer and a sand/surface layer.
I love my trumpet snails. I have them in both of my planted community tanks. They’ve completely out competed the bladder snails that hitched a ride on some plants and they coexist nicely with the nerites, corydoras, and khuli loaches I’ve got lurking in the underbrush. I managed to get them from my local petsmart after 2 tries, as the first employee was following the store book and wouldn’t sell me a “pest” species, but fortunately the second one was the resident fish hobbyist and gladly scooped out a bunch for free. (unfortunately it’s the only fish store left in my town, all the small non-chain fish stores are gone and even the Petco took off, lol)
I once bought a plant that apparently had both ramshorns and a Malaysian trumpet snail. I never had experience with the trumpet snail before and while I saw it for the first few days, eventually I stopped seeing it around. I had no idea it might have gone into the substrate and only come out at night. So maybe it is still alive in that tank after all? I never did find an empty trumpet snail shell, so I guess I will have to get out the flashlight tonight and find out if he’s still in there!
I have a 125lt planted/scaped grow out tank just for snails (I have 13 other tanks) In the snail tank I grow out red, blue and leopard ramshorns (the blue I got from you, thanks) and I also have blue, purple and and jade mystery snails. Starting to mix breed the colours to see what happens. I think I have some really spoilt snails 🐌
Great article and for the most part 100% on spot. Unfortunately if there is not waste foods a available in the tank with fish, the Rams horn ( shape of shell) will in fact start to eat living plants and or fish if they can attach them self’s to it. Snails are great in low population. Best way to remove over population of snails is putting in a Assassin snail ( Anentome helena ) to remove that extra population. Cheerz and thanks for the article.
This is my first natural tank and I didn’t know anything about washing off plants before adding them to my aquarium. Day number 3 after everything’s been planted and I see a little white snail next thing I know I see about 10 of them. I was not expecting this I don’t know if I love it or hate it. Thanks for posting this article because I was panicking.
It probably depends on your water conditions, temperature or something… I guess your water is slightly acidic and very soft, because of the condition of their shell… In my aquarium their shell always look good and they actually started to eat live healthy plants!! I don’t feed my aquarium that much I guess when they don’t have access to food just go after plants… hard to believe or not, they event ate anubias… Of course anubias and java fern where the last in being affected…
Thanks for plenty of interesting presentations. I keep assassins with my bladder snails. (Ramshorn is the UGLY snail. ) The bladder snail gets awesome patterns on its shell. I have a Pea Puffer and his tank is loaded with snails and never runs out. Snails rarely eat live plants. If you are a lazy fish keeper you will get overloaded with the little snails. I like to squish’em for my Bosemani to eat. I use a terracotta plater to feed fish and the snails gather there often, you just have to lift out the plater and wipe away the snails. My tanks also have mystery snails and it’s the Plecos that hate them. They bat them around like a baseball, especially my Vampire pleco. I have also noticed the Rummynose Tetra picking at the snail eggs on leaves. I have used PANCUR (dog dewormer) to eliminate Planaria it will also wipe out at least half the snails in the tank on the first dose. But it’s a slower death for the snail not immediate. It will also kill any mystery snails so you should pull those first.
My tank was over run with trumpet snails. They seemed to suck the life out of my plants via the stems resulting in all plants dying. I did a total tank clean moving fish to another tank for a few weeks while l thought l totally cleaned tank, substrate and filter but bugga me they are back. I must of missed eggs somewhere.
I just added four Assassin Snails to my 70 gallon tank. Within the first three days or so there were very little of the eggs left. I find that Assassin Snails keep my pest snail population well under control. I don’t mind pest snails but I don’t want an invasion of them and the Assassins are doing keeping them well under control. Regards, Johann from Centurion South Africa
Should definitely look into Notopala Waterhouseii (waterhouse snail). It’s native to Australia, its reproductive rate is very low, they filter feed on bacteria (not sure if they eat eggs) and they birth live young instead of laying eggs (that’s why their repro. rate is so low). They also have an amazing spotty pattern on their foot which is really beautiful. Only thing is that they can be finicky. If they fall onto their backs they need help to right themselves or they die (only really happens if they fall off of things onto their backs due to exhaustion/malnutrition) and they don’t like algae, they prefer high nitrogen foods. Breeding is also quite difficult compared to most other snails as they are dioecious, so you need to get both a male and a female.
Anyone I have a question. Since I’ve started seeing bladder snails and trumpet snails in my tank a few weeks later I’ve been seeing 2 different types of small white worms. I saw one that scoots on the substrate and another type that slides and goes under the soil. And ow since I added a small bag of carbon behind my filter my water is darker. Our betta fish died recently and I can’t help but think if it could have been the worms/oarasites possibly. I’m only now concerned for my Nerite snails. Can I take them out and simply put them in untreated filtered water?
I once had a angel fish kill all of my pest snails in a little over a month. Everything ignored them except for this one angel. It would be swimming back and forth, then stop and slowly zero in on a snail and ram into the glass until it crunched and a tiny bubble raised to the surface as the snail fell to the substrate. Best fish I ever owned.
I like the bladder snails because they will survive everything… I use them to cycle my new tanks… new plants, plus fish food plus bladder snails guppy fry… cycled in a week And they will live in brackish water and they spawn faster for fish that eat them But they all self regulate population… I have none in one of my tanks that used to have a bunch… but my sparkling gourami eat them too
Love the advise. I look at my bladder snails differently now. I’m very new to the hobby and am learning loads about all my first tanks inhabitants (intentional or otherwise) through this website. I have just one question about one of the many pieces of advise given in this article. Can you really throw the surplus snails in the garden? Due to harmful invasive species, local snail ecosystems, and all those concerns.
I got 3 tanks.. 2 of them got alot of “pestsnails”, one, and the oldest tank, got none. The one tank that hasnt got snails, got corys in the tank.. other two dont have corys. Corys eat all the left over food, so can it be a good thing to always have corys in your tank if u want less chance of getting “pestsnails”??
I have a tank over run by bladder snails. I even have assassin snails in there but they can’t keep pace. I love my nerite snails and my 2 blue mystery snails. The bladder snails wouldn’t leave my pleco alone and did, indeed kill my plants. When I get enough out, my plants rebound but when I have an explosion, plants dying again.
Snails in breeding setups are bad. Snails in the home aquarium are great! They clean and turn the substrate, clean the glass, add nitrates for plants, and are even food for many fish. P.S. Some snails will munch on soft leafed plants. I’ve had them annihilate apog bulbs and swords in some of my tanks.
Hello i am actually new on the hobby and i have a problem, today my 2 guppies arrived together with my live plants and i am waiting for a zebra snail and a pleco. This night i saw in my aquarium a small unknown snail and a brown planaria. What should i do is anything going to get harmed? Should i let them so they eat poop and remaining foods?
The Colombian giant rams horn will devour all plants, for duckweed troubles or other plant that grow extremely fast, add 1 one Colombian giant it will make a nice dent in plant problems add a few and get a m/f…no more plants lol! Great article nick, I enjoy the snails. Assassin snails to control population probs🙂👍🏻
About 2 weeks ago, I noticed 2 TINY snails in my Betta tank. I’m assuming that when I bought Corys for the tank, one must have come with the corys. Now, there’s like 100s of them and I was like WHAT?!! They are clearly multiplying. So, they are really tiny & I CANNOT work out what breed they are. Luckily, this article was extremely helpful, as I though that since they’re called “pest” snails, they’d be a problem. Thank you so much for this article!
Would love to hear your thoughts on assassin snails. I had Malaysian trumpets taking over my tank and out competing my shrimp for food so I added ten Malaysians. Six months later the Malaysian population is significantly reduced (I often don’t see any), but the assassins are not over breeding either. I’m very satisfied and so are my shrimp
I’m brand new to the hobby with my first ever fish tank, 30 litre tank with 3 neon tetras in there for a test run on advice of the store owners. Went to feed them today and there’s suddenly a snail out of nowhere. Not sure if I did something wrong. Tetras don’t seem bothered though, so do I take it out or leave it in?
I have a mystery snail, and he’s really, really, strange. Most mystery snails eat brown algae, but I’ve seen him eat green algae, duckweed, dwarf lettuce, and spiky taxiphyllum moss. He’s a funny little snail for sure, but I have had 4 mystery snails so far, and only two (including him) have ended up this strange, him being the strangest.
When I hear someone complaining about pest snails I immediately know that person does not know much about Aquariums. First off there is no such thing as pest snails, snails are super beneficial for an aquarium. Secondly if your tank is being over run with snails then you don’t have a snail problem you have a husbandry problem and trust me when I say that is a much worse problem. If you keep up with your husbandry and have a balanced tank then the snail population will also remain balanced and that is exactly what you want. Know that snails are not your enemy they are your friends. P.S. If your tank is being over run with snails then that is also an extremely good sign that your over feeding the tank. Now you mix that with poor husbandry and your asking for trouble. The problems will be many not just snails. Snails are a warning sign that help you gage the health of your tank. Work at balancing your tank and the snails will take care of themselves.
snails do eat plants, it depends on the species of snail. rams and trumpets eat scraps and decaying plants, so do nerite snails. it would also depend on the plant species with snails that do consume plants. most snails though wont touch plants unless left without an option, they are great for cleaning bio films and other gunk.
Ramshorn snails are called ramshorns because of the way their shell looks just like a rams horn Also, they do like some raw vegetation, and they LOVE to eat bladder snails (and sometimes other Ramshorns). I had a lot of bladder snails when I first bought my 10 little Ramshorns. With 2 days, I couldn’t hardly even find a bladdersnail… Just some empty bladdersnail shells laying around. I try not to overfeed them so that they are able to keep the snail population under control, but I love them.
Ramshorn snails do eat live plants I bought 40 dollars worth of staurogyne repens and the plants were doing perfectly fine for 3 months with no problems. Up until I ordered 3 ramshorn snails i started noticing my plants were having trouble to where 2 to 3 leafs were constantly floating up to the surface everyday and got curious that’s when I found out there are 30 plus baby ramshorn snails crawling everywhere and every staurogyne repens had eggs laid on top. Nowadays my carpeting plants are all eaten up so I had to buy them they’re own tank and sepreated it it turns out the headcount is now 60 in 2 months.
copper sulphate ( the blue crystals) 100gram per litre dissolves quickly then one drop to the gallon kills snails usually needs to be done twice then big water change with water conditioner added ( the sort that removes metals, think it chelates the metal) my l no cats were fine as was my discus. source- Water Management in closed systems, author Stephen Spotte.)
As far as pest snails I’ve only ever had bladder snails 😅 I don’t think they’re ugly but they’re certainly not as pretty as ramshorns and not sellable (unless a puffer owner is willing to throw a couple bucks your way for some). Nice article! I do think “pest” snails get a bad rap when they’re so beneficial in many ways. It’s great not having to worry about over feeding much or missing dead leaves.
Your snails look protein-starved, especially the ramshorns. The outer layer of mollusk shells is protein sheaths called conchiolin. I supplement my dry food mix with dried mushroom powder to great success! Chitin from fungal cell walls is analogous to conchiolin in mollusk shells so I hypothesize mushroom protein are easily accessible to snails.
Although I love snails and have raised several land and aquatic species, I’m becoming annoyed by bladder snails. The only problem I have with bladder snails, is they are the species that wants to adventure out, which leads to all their issues I have with them. . Bladder Snails get sucked into the intake of my filter, they crawl upstream of the water outflow from my filter and they climb the glass out of the water. Because of this, they end up clogging my water pump. Appearance wise, I think that really healthy bladder snails CAN be pretty, but they are very tiny and typically (or always) have incredible thin/fragile shells, so they aren’t collectable and not easy to handle. However, because of this, crushing them intentionally is easy and painless to your finger, but doing that in your aquarium can cause an ammonia spike, so I don’t recommend it unless you have something starving for food that loves to eat snails. If your tank is just water + airstone and/or sponge filter, then bladder snails are fine and you should probably have them. Their adventuring out can be good to find algae/detritus in places that other snails might ignore. . In contrast, Ramshorn snails, stay in the water and I’ve NEVER found them trying to get into my intake or outflow of water. I have hundreds of both Bladder and Ramshorn snails. Ramshorn snails get nicely sized and are easy to pick up when they are a decent sized. They also look cool when you put in a big piece of food and they are all over it, it reminds me of curly hair.
I have a million baby ramshorn snails in my sister’s tank. I have no clue how to take care of fish and she’s on the other side of the planet with no wifi or cell service. She tried explaining what to do but I’m so worried the snails are going to die and then raise the ammonia levels up like crazy and kill the fish 😰
Snails are great if you keep the population under control. If not, you may find that the increase in snail population will also increase the amount of ammonia in a tank, and without sufficient removal/water changes it could cause ammonia poisoning. This is something I’ve personally experiences with bladder snails, and is the main reason I won’t keep a snail that reproduces again
I have snails and I like them to an extent. However they destroyed my micro biodiversity. They starved everything out i had worked hard to establish. Copepods, detritus worms, daphnia, scuds, mystery snails, they all got starved out. They’ve eaten everything to the point they’re starving themselves out. They eat decaying plants, which is good, but I wish they didn’t reproduce so quickly. I tried hunting and destroying egg clusters but it was still ineffective. Ive baited and removed them, but as long as there is something to eat they’ll keep multiplying and take over.
I’m trying to get some “pest” ramshorns and physid snails. I’m buying plants from the fish shop, dropping them in my QT without dipping or washing and crossing my fingers they come with hitchhikers 😂 if this doesn’t work I’m going to ask the shop if he has any snails to give me 😂 I used to have ramshorns and physid snails years ago but my assassin snails must have eaten them all, that or the pH just got too low for them. They just disappeared one day. I’m only left with boring Malaysian trumpet snails (which are apparently indestructible). My ramshorns DID eat some of my plants though. I can’t remember which plant but the decimated it. They left the tough plants alone.
Some snails prefer live plants, like the apple snail, that’s why I keep mystery snails because they’re cute af! But they leave your plants alone. Pond/bladder snails are horrid! They’re cute little close up but damn they breed like hell I got a couple hitch in on plants and suddenly my tank was overrun, and unfortunately I only had tiny minnows who didn’t eat them 😢 hopefully if it happens again, the black moors I have now will munch them back 😂 cos they’re monsters who’ll eat anything they can 😂
Jesus, I bought a little, well not huge, tank, some plants and things and some guppy fish, I thought it’s cute to add like 4 little snails. Woke up today wtf, there’s 100s of them, tiny ones everywhere, I dont know what to do, there’s so much plant life and bits, getting them out will be a nightmare as they are everywhere. This article helped though, I guess I don’t need to worry that much, yet
Hi Jayson.. I’m having some white dots kind of things in one of my fish tanks. May be u will be kind enough to check and let me know how to get rid of them. When I searched in YouTube abt it a found this article and he is assuming these are snail eggs. But I’m sure they are not because I don’t have any snails in my tank. Highly appreciate if u can let me know how to fix this issue..Thanks By the way love ur articles and keep up the good work. Below if the YouTube link I wan talking abt earlier. youtu.be/AaDg583XmsM?si=E1UdDi0S4VTf5_As
Oh look. Another fish YouTube website that gives the wrong info. First off I’d be less concerned with snails and more concerned with the absolute deplorable condition the tanks are in in this article. We’re these tanks breeding hydra or what? What’s with all the garbage in the tanks?! Also snails WILL consume certain live plants,depending on the species of snail, if the food they are used to suddenly runs out. First off they will eat excess fish food. Then algae, then certain live plants. My tank has bladders and they will eat my epiphytes like Anubis and most mosses. Detritus they won’t even touch. If you are really concerned about snails simply reduce your feeding and their numbers will reduce in time. You will never get rid of them completely and you really don’t need to. Just control their population. DO NOT get a fish that will eat them unless you are certain your other fish can cohabitate with them. Pea Puffers should only be kept with other Pea Puffers. Snail eating loaches will soon eat your shrimp when the snails run out for example. I wish more fish websites would focus on actual solutions than personal opinion or selling their products.