Daily Management Methods and Technical Key Points for Golden Apple Snails

The golden apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata) is a mollusk of the genus Pomacea in the family Ampullariidae. Its appearance is extremely similar to that of the field snail (river snail), and it has a large body, a wide diet, strong adaptability, fast growth and reproduction, and high yield. Since the advantages of the golden apple snail are so obvious, what should be noted in daily management when farming them artificially?

1) Field snails breathe through gills in water, and they die when the dissolved oxygen in each liter of water drops below 1.5 mg or when the water temperature exceeds 40°C. In the high-temperature season, increase the water flow to control the rise in water temperature and ensure sufficient dissolved oxygen in the water body. It is strictly forbidden to let in water sources polluted by pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Normally, use a micro-flow water system and keep the water level at about 30 cm.

2) The growth and development of field snails is extremely closely related to the soil in the breeding pond, especially to the pH of the soil and the content of ammonia and nitrogen. Therefore, the daily management of field snails should adopt corresponding measures according to the specific conditions of the soil in the field snail breeding pond.

3) Mixed compost is a soil improver. For every 100 sq m of pond, 100-150 kg of compost may be applied to improve the soil. However, the compost must be thoroughly decomposed; otherwise, it will produce a large amount of harmful gases and inhibit the reproduction of microorganisms, thereby affecting the growth and development of the field snails.

4) In order to promote the rapid growth of field snails, during the high-temperature seasons of spring and autumn when the field snails feed vigorously, new water should be added frequently, and the water should be changed often. It is best to irrigate the pond with running water and breed them in a semi-flowing water system. Aquatic plants such as taro and water hyacinth can also be grown in the pond to provide shade and cooling for the field snails.

5) In cold weather, the field snails enter the soil to hibernate. At this time, change the water 1-2 times a week, and scatter some chopped rice straw into the water body to help the field snails overwinter. Field snails fear heat but not cold, and they will not die if kept out of water for several days in winter.

6) Field snails have few diseases. The focus of daily management for field snails is managing the water and paying attention to the harm caused by natural enemies such as leeches and spiders. It is also necessary to prevent ducks, cats, snakes, rats and birds from entering the pond to prey on the snails.

7) Field snails are suitable for shallow-water, micro-flow water breeding. The pond water depth should preferably be 25-30 cm, and in the breeding season and high-temperature period, the flow of pond water must be maintained even more. During hibernation, the field snails burrow into mud holes, leaving only a small round hole on the mud surface to breathe. To maintain sufficient dissolved oxygen in the water, change the pond water once every three or four days. Also, install anti-escape facilities to prevent the field snails from escaping.

(8) Field snails are very sensitive to pesticides, herbicides, petroleum products and industrial sewage, so daily management of field snails should include preventive measures. Chlorinated tap water is also not suitable for direct use in farming field snails.