White Wizard Snail

The White Wizard Snail, scientifically known as Filopaludina martensi, is a large, eye-catching freshwater snail native to Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It is prized in the aquarium hobby for its smooth, porcelain-like white shell and gentle scavenging behavior, making it a beautiful and useful addition to peaceful freshwater tanks.

Adult White Wizard Snails typically reach about 2 to 2.5 inches (5 to 6.4 cm) in shell height. They possess a tall, rounded spiral shell that ranges in color from bright white to pale ivory, with a glossy finish. The body is soft gray to dark brown with two long tentacles and a siphon used for breathing at the surface. Their operculum allows them to close their shell tightly when threatened.

A tank of at least 10 gallons is suitable for one or two individuals. These snails prefer slow-moving, clean freshwater with fine sand or smooth gravel substrates. The aquarium should include stable décor such as rocks and driftwood and be well-planted to mimic their natural habitat and provide surface area for grazing.

Water parameters for Filopaludina martensi should include a temperature range of 70 to 78°F (21 to 26°C), a pH of 7.0 to 8.0, and moderate hardness. They are sensitive to copper and poor water quality, so avoid medications containing copper and perform regular water changes with gentle filtration.

Feeding the White Wizard Snail is simple, as they are omnivorous detritivores. They consume biofilm, decaying plant matter, leftover fish food, and algae. Supplement their diet with algae wafers, blanched vegetables like spinach or zucchini, and calcium-rich foods to maintain shell health.

The White Wizard Snail is peaceful and compatible with most non-aggressive tankmates, including small fish, shrimp, and other invertebrates. Avoid keeping them with snail-eating species like puffers or large cichlids.

Breeding Filopaludina martensi in captivity is extremely rare. They are livebearing snails that produce fully formed juvenile snails rather than laying eggs. However, successful reproduction typically requires specific environmental cues and possibly brackish conditions that are difficult to replicate in home aquariums.

Filopaludina martensi (White Wizard Snail) is a stunning, low-maintenance species that adds elegance and practical cleanup support to freshwater aquariums.