Physa fontinalis

About This Species

Basic Description

Commonly known as the Bladder Snail or European physa, this creature is an excellent choice for beginners due to its hardy nature. It helps keep tanks clean by feeding on leftover food, decaying plant matter, and algae. They are known to reproduce very quickly, so their population can grow rapidly under the right conditions. They are active throughout all levels of the aquarium and are not fussy about their specific food, readily accepting most common aquarium foods.

Detailed Description

Originating from Europe and Western Asia, the Fountain Snail is a highly adaptable gastropod that thrives in various freshwater setups, particularly those with low water flow. Its diet is primarily that of a detritivore; it actively consumes biofilm and different types of algae, making it a functional part of an aquarium's cleanup crew. Hobbyists should be aware of its prolific breeding habits. As a hermaphrodite, its rapid reproductive cycle ensures a constant presence, which can be beneficial or problematic depending on the aquarist's goals. Despite a short one-year lifespan, their ability to easily reproduce means populations are self-sustaining. Its low bioload means it doesn't significantly tax the aquarium's filtration system.

Scientific Description

*Physa fontinalis*, a gastropod mollusk from the family Physidae, is a widespread freshwater species. Its classification within the order Hygrophila indicates its air-breathing, aquatic nature. This species exhibits a high degree of environmental tolerance across a wide range of water hardness and pH levels. Ecologically, its role as a detritivore and consumer of biofilm is significant for nutrient cycling in its habitat. Reproduction is hermaphroditic and highly efficient. Physiologically, it is characterized by a low metabolic rate, very low oxygen consumption, and minimal waste production, resulting in a low bioload factor that makes its impact on closed aquatic systems relatively small on a per-individual basis.