Japanese Trapdoor Snail (Sinotaia quadrata) - Tank Bred!
These large freshwater snails are quite unusual-looking yet very attractive, varying in coloration and patterns. Japanese Trapdoor Snails are named for their operculum, which is a tough plate that protects the snail by forming a seal at the edge of the snail's shell when its soft body is retracted inside. They are also known by the name Chinese Mystery Snails. These snails' shells are spiral-shaped, but otherwise they vary significantly in appearance - no two snails look exactly alike! Each snail has slightly different coloration and patterns, but they usually feature more natural-looking colors such as brown and green. Trapdoor Snails are quite large as adults and can grow up to 2 inches in length, making them one of the largest freshwater snails in the aquarium hobby. They also serve some very useful purposes. They clean algae off of glass, plants, and decorations, and they keep your substrate clean and the correct color. They are particularly adept at keeping your tank o