Great pond snail (Lymnaea stagnalis): Hardy and educational snail for ponds and pools
What is the great pond snail?
The great pond snail is an iconic freshwater snail of our ponds and pools. Perfectly hardy, it lives outdoors all year and tolerates up to about 25°C in aquariums (beyond that, it will be less comfortable). An effective cleaner, it grazes on algae and biofilm and consumes plant debris. As an adult, it sometimes reaches 4 or 5 cm, with a dark brown pointed shell and a typical swimming just below the surface to breathe, as it has a lung. In good weather, you can even see it come out of the water to sunbathe!
Why choose the great pond snail?
- Natural anti-algae in ponds: limits overgrowth. One of the most effective for eating filamentous algae. Downside: it can sometimes attack tender plants.
- Ecological balance: recycles waste and thus closes the aquatic biological cycle.
- Hardy species: overwinters outdoors without issue in Europe.
- Educational interest: observation of cycles (breathing, laying eggs, growth). Its size makes it easier to observe.
- Temperate aquarium: useful against algae (avoid water that is too warm, above 25°C).
Who is it intended for?
- Individuals with a pond, mini-pond, or garden pool.
- Schools / educational projects on invertebrates or freshwater mollusks.
- Temperate water aquarists (maximum 25 °C) wanting a useful, spectacular, and fun snail to observe.
Introduction and usage advice
- Pond, pool, or mini-pool: direct acclimation. Perfectly adapted to seasonal variations.
- Aquarium: prefer moderately warm water. Beyond 25 °C for a prolonged period, it will be less comfortable.
- Diet: algae (notably filamentous), biofilm, debris. In the absence of algae, it can nibble on some plants.
- Cohabitation: generally peaceful; some large fish or predators may sometimes attack it (it has no operculum). Amphibians (toads, frogs) naturally feed on it without eradicating it.
- Reproduction: hermaphrodite, but requires mating. Gelatinous egg masses on surfaces and walls (glass, leaves, stones).
- Shipping: we send young individuals (8–10 mm), easier to acclimate and grow at home with a longer lifespan.
FAQ - Great pond snail (Lymnaea stagnalis)
Can it stay outside in winter?
Yes, it is one of the most rustic snails: it overwinters outdoors without flinching.
Does it eat plants?
It prefers algae and debris. If algae run out, it can then touch the softest plants.
Compatible with fish and amphibians?
Yes, but the largest fish and amphibians can possibly prey on it.
Adult size?
About 4, sometimes even 5 cm (dark brown pointed shell, very decorative).
Does it breathe at the surface?
Yes. Pulmonate, it comes up to breathe and can swim upside down under the surface, back down.
Additional information
- Scientific name: Lymnaea stagnalis.
- Size: up to 4, even 5 cm in length maximum. Shipped individuals: 8 to 10 mm, young.
- Use: rustic detritivore snail for aquariums or ponds, eater of filamentous algae.
- Advice: it is unnecessary to feed them unless there are no more algae or waste. This prevents them from turning to certain plants.
- Temperature: avoid consistently exceeding 25°C in the aquarium, can spend the year outdoors without problem.
- Packaging: snails packaged in sealed bags, with water and air in quantities adapted to their number.
- Guarantee: our snails are raised under natural aquarium conditions. They are harvested and packaged the very morning they are shipped. No collection is done in the natural environment.
- Recommendation: please never release these great pond snails into the wild, even if they are sometimes naturally present there. Our aquatic ecosystems are very fragile.
