Which snails suitable for a freshwater tank cannot breed without another snail?

Question

I want one snail in my tank, I heard there's a kind that aren't hermaphrodites and can only breed with two?

Was it mystery snails? I just want to double check before I buy one and find my tank overrun!

Answer 1

Mystery snails might, since they do have separate genders, but if a female has mated with a male, they can store the sperm (much like livebearing fish) and can continue to lay fertile eggs for a few months. Since the eggs are laid above water, it's relatively easy to remove the egg masses if you don't want babies. Or, you might want to look at this website under their reproduction and see if you're able to determine which are males before you buy them: http://www.applesnail.net/

If you want to be absolutely certain of no reproduction, get a nerite snail (you may have to order online or have your local store special order these). These are a species which can live in freshwater, but need too have salt/brackish water to reproduce: http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=1076

Another possible consideration is your tank temperature. Apple snails actually prefer cooler temperatures and can live 10 yrs in a room-temperature tank, but their life span shortens to 2-3 years in a tropical tank. In warmer water, a nerite might be better, although these can live in cooler tanks too.

Answer 2

Mystery snail (also known as apple snails) require a male or female to breed. If you do select one and it happens to be female, it's possible that you might have baby snails. The females can lay eggs several months after becoming inseminated. If this happens, many pet stores will take the babies.

Answer 3

Neutered Ones! *smiles*