Bladder Snail (Physa acuta) is a beginner-level freshwater invertebrate that needs at least 5 gallons and 65-85°F. A tiny, fast-breeding snail that arrives on plants and cleans up scraps and film. It is harmless to plants and fish but will multiply quickly if the tank is overfed.
Care facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Physa acuta |
|---|---|
| Family | Physidae |
| Origin | Worldwide (originally North America) |
| Adult size | 0.5 in |
| Minimum tank | 5 gallons |
| Temperature | 65-85°F |
| pH | 7.0-8.2 |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Social behavior | Colony |
| Swim level | All levels |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Diet | Algae, detritus, leftover food, biofilm |
| Typical lifespan | 1 year |
Quick tips
- Feed less to slow population growth.
- Needs calcium in the water for a healthy shell.
- Avoid copper medications.
San Diego water
Naturally suited to San Diego's hard, alkaline tap water once it is dechlorinated (the city uses chloramine, so use a conditioner that handles it). Learn the numbers in our San Diego tap water guide.
Before you buy
Make sure your tank is cycled (how to cycle a tank), check your numbers with the water testing guide, and use the compatibility guide to check tankmates. These are general ranges; individual fish and local water vary.
Find it at Pet Zone
Pet Zone Tropical Fish is a San Diego aquarium store with two locations. Stock changes daily, so call ahead if you are after a specific species or plant. Shop online at petzonesd.com.
4160 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 987-0309
Open daily, 10am-6pm
Aquascaping, planted tanks
4266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 283-1812
Closed Monday; Tue-Fri 10:30am-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Monster fish, koi