Description
The Golden Apple Snail (Pomacea canaliculata), also known as the Channeled Apple Snail, is a large freshwater snail native to South America. It is widely recognized for its striking golden-yellow shell, though its color can vary from brown to greenish depending on diet and environment.
Physical Description:
- Shell:
- Round, globular shape with a deep suture (channeled spire).
- Typically 4–6 cm (1.5–2.5 in) in diameter but can grow up to 15 cm (6 in).
- Color ranges from golden yellow to dark brown, often with spiral bands.
- Body:
- Soft, fleshy body with a long, retractable siphon used for breathing.
- Two pairs of tentacles: one long pair (eyes at the tips) and one short pair (sensory).
Behavior & Habitat:
- Feeding: Herbivorous, consuming aquatic plants, algae, and decaying vegetation. Can become a pest in rice fields.
- Reproduction: Lays bright pink egg clusters above water on plants or hard surfaces. Highly prolific.
- Respiration: Has both gills and a lung-like structure, allowing it to survive in low-oxygen water.
Ecological Impact:
- Invasive Species: Introduced in Asia for aquaculture but became a major agricultural pest, damaging crops.
- Control Methods: Manual removal, predatory species (ducks, fish), and chemical treatments (used cautiously to avoid harming ecosystems).
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