Disclaimer:

The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.




Pomacea canaliculata
Pomacea canaliculata
(channeled applesnail)
Mollusks-Gastropods
Exotic

Copyright Info
Pomacea canaliculata (Lamarck, 1828)

Common name: channeled applesnail

Synonyms and Other Names: Golden applesnail

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.govITIS logo

Identification: Typical applesnails are globular in shape. Normal coloration typically includes bands of brown, black, and yellowish-tan, and color patterns are extremely variable. Albino and gold color variations exist (R. Howells, personal communication).

Size: 62.5 mm shell height, 56 mm shell width (Hayes et al. 2012)

Native Range: South America, central portion of the continent primarily Argentina (northern), Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay (Hayes et al. 2012).

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Nonindigenous Occurrences:

Table 1. States with nonindigenous occurrences, the earliest and latest observations in each state, and the tally and names of HUCs with observations†. Names and dates are hyperlinked to their relevant specimen records. The list of references for all nonindigenous occurrences of Pomacea canaliculata are found here.

StateFirst ObservedLast ObservedTotal HUCs with observations†HUCs with observations†
AZ200720203Lower Colorado; Lower Gila; Lower Salt
CA199720228Middle Kern-Upper Tehachapi-Grapevine; Middle San Joaquin-Lower Chowchilla; Salton Sea; San Diego; San Gabriel; San Joaquin Delta; Santa Barbara Coastal; Santa Margarita
FL200520121Lower St. Johns
GA200520142Lower Savannah; Satilla
GU200420041Guam
HI198920196Hawaii; Hawaii Region; Kauai; Lanai; Maui; Oahu
ID199120161Upper Snake-Rock
NC199219921Upper Dan

Table last updated 2/27/2023

† Populations may not be currently present.


Ecology: Pomacea canaliculata optimal water temperatures for rearing is between 15-35 °C (Seuffert and Martin 2016).

Means of Introduction: Probable aquarium release for initial introductions.

Status: Established in California and Hawaii.

Impact of Introduction: Impacts rice and taro agriculture worldwide where introduced.

Remarks: Research by Savaya-Alkalay et al. (2018) suggests that the development of all-male prawn populations of Macrobrachium rosenbergii has the potential as an biocontrol agent over hatchling and adult apple snails (Pomacea spp.). Medium-sized and large prawns (10–30 g)  preyed on snails up to 15mm in size, while small prawns (up to 4 g) effectively consumed snail hatchlings.

References: (click for full references)

Hayes, K.A., R.H. Cowie, S.C. Thiengo, and E.E. Strong. 2012. Comparing apples with apples: clarifying the identities of two highly invasive Neotropical Ampullaridae (Caenogastropoda). Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 166(4):723-753.

Howells, R. Personal communication. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Savaya-Alkalay, A., Ovadia, O., Barki, A., and A. Sagi. 2018. Size-selective predation by all-male prawns: implications for sustainable biocontrol of snail invasions. Biological Invasions 20:137–149.

Seuffert, M. E. and P. R. Martin. 2016. Thermal limits for the establishment and growth of populations of the invasive apple snail Pomacea canaliculata. Biological Invasions. DOI 10.1007/s10530-016-1305-0.

Author: Daniel, W. M.

Revision Date: 5/13/2019

Citation Information:
Daniel, W. M., 2023, Pomacea canaliculata (Lamarck, 1828): U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL, https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?speciesID=980, Revision Date: 5/13/2019, Access Date: 3/30/2023

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.

Disclaimer:

The data represented on this site vary in accuracy, scale, completeness, extent of coverage and origin. It is the user's responsibility to use these data consistent with their intended purpose and within stated limitations. We highly recommend reviewing metadata files prior to interpreting these data.

Citation information: U.S. Geological Survey. [2023]. Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database. Gainesville, Florida. Accessed [3/30/2023].

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For general information and questions about the database, contact Wesley Daniel. For problems and technical issues, contact Matthew Neilson.