Japanese trapdoor snail
Viviparus malleatus
InvertebratesFreshwater
- Care level
- Easy
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Recommended tank
- 40 L
- Maximum size
- 5 cm
- Temperature
- 4–26 °C
- pH
- 7–8.2
- Diet
- Herbivore
Care at a glance
The Japanese trapdoor snail from East Asia owes its name to the horny operculum with which it can close its shell completely. Unlike most aquarium snails it is livebearing: it releases fully formed baby snails instead of clumps of eggs.
It tolerates cold water very well and was therefore also kept in ponds. It eats algae, detritus and decaying plant material but leaves healthy plants alone. Since 7 August 2025 the Chinese mystery snail, which this species falls under, has been on the EU Union list of invasive alien species: buying, breeding and trading are no longer allowed, anyone who already had them may keep them, and releasing them outdoors is banned.
Related species
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Values are mainstream hobbyist guidance, not gospel — always watch what your own animals need.