What Is the Difference Between Apple Snails and River Snails? A Quick Guide to Telling Them Apart

Differences Between Apple Snails and River Snails

Look at the color: the shell of the apple snail is yellow, while the shell of the river snail is olive-brown; look at the spire tip: the spire tip of the apple snail is flat and short, while the spire tip of the river snail is long and pointed; look at the operculum: the operculum of the apple snail is rather flat, while the operculum of the river snail is relatively round in shape; look at the flesh color: the flesh of the apple snail is lighter in color, mostly yellowish-white, while the flesh of the river snail is mostly olive-brown.

Methods That Cannot Distinguish River Snails from Apple Snails

There are many other identification methods online, but they are not entirely correct. You can use them as a certain reference, but not as an absolute reference.

1. Look at the size

This claim is incorrect. There are also large river snails. They are also called “large river snails.” Apple snails can also be small. These are juvenile apple snails. Size cannot be used to distinguish them.

2. Look at the ridges

The shell ridges of the apple snail run horizontally, while the ridges of the river snail run vertically. Unfortunately, apple snails also have vertical ridges, and can even have horizontal and vertical ridges crossing each other.

3. Look at the tentacles

The tentacles can indeed be used to distinguish them. But,, once you have made them into a late-night snack with that many seasonings, what can you still make out?