Trapdoor Snail
Cipangopaludina chinensis
A large, livebearing freshwater snail named for its tough operculum (trapdoor) used for defense against predators and harsh conditions. They are excellent scavengers and algae eaters, heavily favored for outdoor ponds and unheated aquariums due to their extreme cold tolerance. They require hard, alkaline water to prevent shell erosion.
Trapdoor Snail At a Glance
Trapdoor Snail Tank Requirements
Will Trapdoor Snail fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Trapdoor Snail needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Trapdoor Snail against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Trapdoor Snail Water Parameters
Trapdoor Snail Temperament & Compatibility
Trapdoor Snail Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The typical wild-type Trapdoor Snail. Colors range from solid olive green to dark brown. They spend significant time foraging on the substrate or burying themselves in sand/mud during the day.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Wild Type, Olive Snail
Trapdoor Snail Care Guide Summary
The Trapdoor Snail, scientifically known as Cipangopaludina chinensis, belongs to the Invertebrates family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 6.5 cm and have a globular body shape with a slow growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the bottom zone of the aquarium and produces a medium level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Trapdoor Snail requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 38 litres and a tank length of at least 40 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 10°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 7–8.5 and a general hardness of 8–20 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
The Trapdoor Snail is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. The Trapdoor Snail is typically available in one standard form.
Trapdoor Snail Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Trapdoor Snail, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour and an established tank with natural algae growth, as they depend on it as a primary food source. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured.
Trapdoor Snail Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Trapdoor Snail is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Who Trapdoor Snail Is Actually For
Trapdoor Snail is best for a fishkeeper who wants a species that can settle into a calmer community setup and can provide someone who understands its individual space requirements. It makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially established algae.
The most common mistake is treating Trapdoor Snail like any other community fish and skipping the soft sand it needs to forage safely. Another frequent problem is forcing it into an over-busy community when it would do better with more room or more deliberate tankmate choices.
Trapdoor Snail Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Trapdoor Snail.
10 Gallon Standard
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
Show 22 more tank sizes
Frequently Asked Questions About Trapdoor Snail
How big does Trapdoor Snail get?
Trapdoor Snail (Cipangopaludina chinensis) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 6.5 cm. They have a globular body shape and a slow growth rate.
What tank size does Trapdoor Snail need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 38 litres and a tank length of at least 40 cm are recommended for Trapdoor Snail. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Trapdoor Snail need?
Trapdoor Snail thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 10–28°C, a pH between 7 and 8.5, and a general hardness of 8–20 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Trapdoor Snail peaceful or aggressive?
Trapdoor Snail is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 0 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Trapdoor Snail live alone?
Yes, Trapdoor Snail can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Trapdoor Snail have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Trapdoor Snail benefits from established algae (otocinclus) and sand (sifters) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Useful setup supplies
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- May 11, 2026
- Last updated
- May 11, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Top Tank Mates for Trapdoor Snail
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Trapdoor Snail based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Kabia rainbowfish
Glossolepis kabia
Ideal Tank MatesScissortail Rasbora
Rasbora trilineata
Ideal Tank MatesRummynose Rasbora
Sawbwa resplendens
Ideal Tank MatesRosy Red Minnow / Fathead Minnow
Pimephales promelas
Ideal Tank MatesRose Danio
Danio roseus
Ideal Tank MatesRed Dwarf Rasbora
Microrasbora rubescens
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Trapdoor Snail
These plants pair well with Trapdoor Snail based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Asian Watergrass
Hygroryza aristata
Asian Watermoss
Salvinia cucullata
Carolina Mosquito Fern
Azolla caroliniana
Common Duckweed
Lemna minor
Crystalwort
Riccia fluitans
Fish Similar to Trapdoor Snail
Assassin Snail
Anentome helena
A highly effective and popular carnivorous freshwater snail used primarily for pest snail control. They actively hunt and consume smaller snails like bladder, ramshorn, and pond snails. Featuring a striking yellow and dark brown spiraled shell, they are a functional and attractive addition to aquariums. Unlike many aquatic snails, they are not hermaphroditic and reproduce quite slowly.
Mystery Snail
Pomacea bridgesii
A large, popular, and active freshwater snail. Unlike other apple snails, they generally do not eat live, healthy plants, preferring algae, detritus, and sinking foods. They require calcium-rich, alkaline water to prevent shell erosion. Females will frequently leave the water to lay distinct pink egg clutches above the waterline.
Bladder Snail (Pest Snail)
Physella acuta
A tiny, fast-moving freshwater snail almost universally introduced accidentally via live aquarium plants. While frequently labeled a 'pest' due to their rapid, prolific reproduction, they are actually an excellent cleanup crew. They consume algae, uneaten food, and decaying plant matter without harming healthy plants. They are hermaphroditic and can self-fertilize, meaning a single snail can start a massive colony.
Horned Nerite Snail
Clithon corona
A highly effective and tiny algae-eating snail characterized by the horn-like spikes on its shell. It is completely peaceful and will not reproduce in freshwater (though it may lay unsightly white eggs on decor). It requires an established tank with plenty of algae and hard, alkaline water to prevent shell erosion. Known to climb out of aquariums if a lid is not secure.
Olive Nerite Snail
Neritina reclivata
The Olive Nerite Snail is highly prized for its exceptional algae-eating abilities and completely peaceful nature. They have a rounded, smooth, olive-green shell. Unlike many freshwater snails, they will not overpopulate an aquarium because their eggs require brackish or saltwater to hatch and develop. They are notorious escape artists and will climb out of the water, so a tight-fitting lid is mandatory.
Apple Snail
Pomacea maculata
One of the largest freshwater snails in the world, capable of reaching the size of a baseball or larger. Unlike the popular 'Mystery Snail' (Pomacea bridgesii) which is generally plant-safe, Pomacea maculata is a voracious herbivore that will systematically devour almost any live aquarium plant. They require heavy filtration due to their massive waste output and hard, calcium-rich water to prevent shell deterioration.