{"product_id":"blueberry-snail-viviparus-sp","title":"Blueberry Snail - Viviparus sp","description":"\u003ch1 data-section-id=\"8ihibo\" data-start=\"563\" data-end=\"598\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003eBlueberry Snail – \u003cem data-start=\"583\" data-end=\"594\"\u003eViviparus\u003c\/em\u003e sp.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"77mjg\" data-start=\"600\" data-end=\"612\"\u003eOverview:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"613\" data-end=\"1187\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-start=\"617\" data-end=\"636\"\u003eBlueberry Snail\u003c\/strong\u003e is a rare and unusual freshwater snail with a rounded shell and a striking dark blue, purple to slate-coloured body that gives it its popular trade name. Currently sold as \u003cstrong data-start=\"809\" data-end=\"826\"\u003eViviparus sp.\u003c\/strong\u003e, and sometimes listed as \u003cstrong data-start=\"852\" data-end=\"878\"\u003eNotopala sp. Blueberry\u003c\/strong\u003e, this peaceful livebearing snail is best suited to mature tropical aquariums with stable, mineral-rich water and plenty of natural grazing surfaces. It is attractive, slow-moving and safe with many calm community fish, but it should not be added to brand-new tanks or treated as a simple algae-cleaning tool.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"18rclky\" data-start=\"1189\" data-end=\"1211\"\u003eKey Identification:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1212\" data-end=\"1519\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1212\" data-end=\"1228\"\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blueberry Snail\u003cbr data-start=\"1244\" data-end=\"1247\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1247\" data-end=\"1263\"\u003eOther Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blue Berry Snail, Blueberry River Snail, Papua Blueberry Snail, Blueberry Livebearing Snail, Notopala Blueberry Snail\u003cbr data-start=\"1381\" data-end=\"1384\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1384\" data-end=\"1404\"\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"1405\" data-end=\"1416\"\u003eViviparus\u003c\/em\u003e sp.\u003cbr data-start=\"1420\" data-end=\"1423\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1423\" data-end=\"1445\"\u003eInvertebrate Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshwater Snail \/ Livebearing River Snail\u003cbr data-start=\"1488\" data-end=\"1491\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1491\" data-end=\"1506\"\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshwater\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"13oemwk\" data-start=\"1521\" data-end=\"1548\"\u003eNatural Range \u0026amp; Habitat:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1549\" data-end=\"1861\"\u003eThe Blueberry Snail is reported in the aquarium trade from \u003cstrong data-start=\"1608\" data-end=\"1628\"\u003ePapua, Indonesia\u003c\/strong\u003e, where it is associated with freshwater river or stream habitats. As a livebearing operculate snail, it is likely to spend much of its time grazing on biofilm, algae, soft detritus and natural microbial growth on submerged surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1863\" data-end=\"2066\"\u003eIn the aquarium, this means it should be given a mature setup with sand or smooth substrate, plants, wood, rocks and established grazing areas. A sterile new aquarium with little biofilm is not suitable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1k4fj4a\" data-start=\"2068\" data-end=\"2095\"\u003eAppearance \u0026amp; Adult Size:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2096\" data-end=\"2475\"\u003eBlueberry Snails have a rounded, trapdoor-type shell that may appear brown, reddish-brown, dark olive or pinkish-brown depending on age and condition. The body is the standout feature, often showing deep blue, purple, grey-blue or dark slate tones, sometimes with lighter speckling. As with many snails, shell wear, colour and growth lines can vary naturally between individuals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2477\" data-end=\"2633\"\u003eAdults usually reach around \u003cstrong data-start=\"2505\" data-end=\"2517\"\u003e2.5–5 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e, with some trade sources listing approximately \u003cstrong data-start=\"2565\" data-end=\"2579\"\u003e1–2 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e for adult size. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"zee6g1\" data-start=\"2635\" data-end=\"2659\"\u003eAquarium Suitability:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2660\" data-end=\"2926\"\u003eThis snail is suitable for peaceful planted aquariums, shrimp tanks with compatible water, calm community aquariums and specialist invertebrate setups. It does best in tanks with soft sand, plants, porous rocks, wood and surfaces where algae and biofilm can develop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2928\" data-end=\"3146\"\u003eIt is not suitable for copper-treated aquariums, very soft acidic water, unstable new tanks or systems containing snail-eating fish. Filter intakes should be protected, especially for smaller individuals and juveniles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1jzuw08\" data-start=\"3148\" data-end=\"3177\"\u003eRecommended Aquarium Size:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3178\" data-end=\"3447\"\u003eA practical minimum is \u003cstrong data-start=\"3201\" data-end=\"3235\"\u003e40–50 litres for a small group\u003c\/strong\u003e, with larger aquariums preferred where more natural grazing is available. Although some sellers list smaller tank sizes, a more mature, stable aquarium gives much better long-term conditions for this rare snail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"pl4gsq\" data-start=\"3449\" data-end=\"3469\"\u003eWater Conditions:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3470\" data-end=\"3905\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3470\" data-end=\"3486\"\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 22–28°C\u003cbr data-start=\"3494\" data-end=\"3497\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3497\" data-end=\"3504\"\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7.2–8.5\u003cbr data-start=\"3512\" data-end=\"3515\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3515\" data-end=\"3528\"\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderately hard to hard preferred\u003cbr data-start=\"3562\" data-end=\"3565\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3565\" data-end=\"3586\"\u003eAdditional Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stable mineral content is important for shell health. Avoid soft acidic water, sudden parameter swings, ammonia, nitrite and copper-based medications. Trade care sources commonly recommend alkaline water with GH around \u003cstrong data-start=\"3806\" data-end=\"3818\"\u003e6–22 dGH\u003c\/strong\u003e and KH around \u003cstrong data-start=\"3833\" data-end=\"3845\"\u003e3–15 dKH\u003c\/strong\u003e for Blueberry Snails. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"3rlnm7\" data-start=\"3907\" data-end=\"3935\"\u003eTemperament \u0026amp; Tank Mates:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3936\" data-end=\"3983\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3936\" data-end=\"3958\"\u003eAquarium Category:\u003c\/strong\u003e Community Invertebrate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3985\" data-end=\"4308\"\u003eBlueberry Snails are peaceful and safe with calm fish and many shrimp species where water conditions match. Suitable tank mates include small rasboras, peaceful tetras, Otocinclus, Cory-type catfish in compatible water, bristlenose plecs, small rainbowfish, peaceful livebearers and dwarf shrimp that tolerate harder water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4310\" data-end=\"4559\"\u003eAvoid pufferfish, loaches that eat snails, large cichlids, crayfish, aggressive crabs and fish that may nip the snail’s body or antennae. They can be kept singly, but small groups are more interesting and allow natural social and breeding behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1ah6yd9\" data-start=\"4561\" data-end=\"4572\"\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4573\" data-end=\"4872\"\u003eBlueberry Snails graze on biofilm, algae, soft detritus and leftover fine foods, but they should be fed directly in clean aquariums. Offer algae wafers, spirulina tablets, sinking invertebrate foods, powdered shrimp\/snail foods, blanched courgette, spinach, green beans and calcium-rich snail foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4874\" data-end=\"5028\"\u003eDo not rely on natural algae alone. Remove uneaten vegetables before they spoil, and make sure food reaches the snails if kept with active fish or shrimp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"2vr35r\" data-start=\"5030\" data-end=\"5059\"\u003eBehaviour in the Aquarium:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5060\" data-end=\"5593\"\u003eThis is a slow, peaceful grazing snail that spends much of its time moving over sand, glass, wood, plants and rocks. It has an operculum, or “trapdoor”, which allows it to close itself into the shell when disturbed. Blueberry Snails are livebearers rather than egg-layers, with females producing single well-developed young at a slow rate, so they are unlikely to overrun an aquarium like pest snails. Retail sources describe females producing young periodically rather than laying egg clutches. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"gyou4p\" data-start=\"5595\" data-end=\"5609\"\u003eCare Notes:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5610\" data-end=\"6102\"\u003eAdd only to a mature, fully cycled aquarium with stable water quality. Avoid copper, snail-killing treatments and sudden changes in temperature or hardness. Provide calcium through mineral-rich water, specialist snail foods or safe calcium supplements where needed. Poor shell growth, pitting or erosion usually indicates unsuitable water chemistry, lack of minerals or poor diet. Acclimate slowly, as imported snails can be sensitive to rapid changes. Never release unwanted snails outdoors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"iot6fl\" data-start=\"6104\" data-end=\"6123\"\u003eRecommended For:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6124\" data-end=\"6136\"\u003eIntermediate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1c7763y\" data-start=\"6138\" data-end=\"6154\"\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6155\" data-end=\"6220\"\u003eRare \/ Specialist import \/ Occasionally captive-bred or home-bred\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1x39ni3\" data-start=\"6222\" data-end=\"6242\"\u003eImage Disclaimer:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6243\" data-end=\"6463\"\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the snail you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, shell colour, body colour, shell wear and markings can occur between individual snails.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Warehouse Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":43679767330890,"sku":"AG-102758","price":5.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":43679767363658,"sku":"AG-102759","price":7.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":43679767396426,"sku":"AG-102760","price":9.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0623\/1877\/2298\/files\/BlueberrySnail-Viviparussp.jpg?v=1780922676","url":"https:\/\/warehouse-aquatics.co.uk\/products\/blueberry-snail-viviparus-sp","provider":"Warehouse Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}