Cipangopaludina chinensis
Heavy, glossy olive-brown shell with a hard operculum (the 'trapdoor') that seals the snail in when threatened. Cold-tolerant — survives garden ponds in temperate climates and indoor unheated tanks. Livebearer rather than egg-layer, which makes population growth predictable.
Japanese Trapdoor Snail (Cipangopaludina chinensis) is an aquarium snail in family Viviparidae, native to East Asia. Adults reach 4–6 cm; minimum tank 60 L. Target 5–28 °C, pH 7.0–8.5, 8–25 dGH, 4–15 dKH. Shell calcium demand: high. Diet: omnivore / detritivore, Algae, biofilm, decaying plant matter, fallen food. Calcium-supplemented food for shell maintenance. Breeding: Livebearer (gives birth to fully-formed juveniles rather than laying eggs). Slow, manageable breeders. Algae-eating rating: 4/5. Plant-safe: Yes (does not graze live plants). Tank mates: Peaceful community fish, koi, goldfish.
Care at a glance
Heavy, glossy olive-brown shell with a hard operculum (the 'trapdoor') that seals the snail in when threatened. Cold-tolerant — survives garden ponds in temperate climates and indoor unheated tanks. Livebearer rather than egg-layer, which makes population growth predictable.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated 1 min read
Part of our complete planted-aquarium guide.
The parameters that decide whether japanese trapdoor snail fits in your tank.
Viviparidae
Omnivore / detritivore
Algae, biofilm, decaying plant matter, fallen food. Calcium-supplemented food for shell maintenance.
Livebearer (gives birth to fully-formed juveniles rather than laying eggs). Slow, manageable breeders.
3–10 yrs
High
Yes (does not graze live plants)
East Asia
East Asia
Tank-mate safety and the species this one is documented to thrive (or fail) alongside.
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Minimum tank: 60 L. Japanese Trapdoor Snail (Cipangopaludina chinensis) reach 4–6 cm as adults.
Target 5–28 °C, pH 7.0–8.5, 8–25 dGH, and 4–15 dKH. Shell calcium demand is high, supplement with cuttlebone or a mineral stone if your water is soft.
Plant safety: Yes (does not graze live plants). Japanese Trapdoor Snail are omnivore / detritivore, Algae, biofilm, decaying plant matter, fallen food. Calcium-supplemented food for shell maintenance.
Tank mates: Peaceful community fish, koi, goldfish.
Algae-eating rating: 4/5. Algae, biofilm, decaying plant matter, fallen food. Calcium-supplemented food for shell maintenance.
Livebearer (gives birth to fully-formed juveniles rather than laying eggs). Slow, manageable breeders.
Typical lifespan: 3–10 years in a stable, well-maintained tank.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this snail with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
