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Sinotaia quadrata histrica
A viviparid snail common in Japanese paddies and irrigation channels, with a shell 20-30mm high. It grazes epiphytic algae, feeds on detritus and filters suspended matter with its gills, and gives birth to live young.
Sinotaia quadrata histrica is a viviparid snail found in paddies, irrigation channels and ponds throughout Japan, one of the four Japanese species of the family. The shell of Sinotaia quadrata is reported as 20-30mm high, taller than wide in adults, with no difference in dimensions between the sexes. Newborn shells are 2.93-3.70mm and are wider than high, the reverse of the adult. It is a herbivorous deposit feeder living mainly on epiphytic algae but also taking detritus, bacteria, aquatic plants, diatoms, green algae and cyanobacteria such as Microcystis. Viviparids are said to combine grazing, deposit feeding and gill filter feeding, which lets them survive in waters that change sharply. The sexes are separate and the snail is ovoviviparous, giving birth to several to a dozen or more well-grown young. The male's right tentacle is modified, which allows the sexes to be told apart.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Japanese Trapdoor Snail lives 2-4 years.
The Japanese Trapdoor Snail grows to Shell height 20-30mm.
Origin
Japan, China, northern Vietnam and northeastern Thailand
Lifespan
2-4 years
Size
Shell height 20-30mm
Temperature
Sources: Wikipedia (Sinotaia quadrata) / Wikipedia (Viviparidae, ja) / WoRMS
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Sinotaia quadrata histrica (A. A. Gould, 1859)
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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22〜28℃
Epiphytic algae, detritus and suspended matter
It lives in shallow still water such as paddies and channels and needs no special equipment, though a sand or silt bed it can burrow into suits it. At high density it consumes enough algae to raise water clarity, so plan how it will be fed.
It is common in Japanese paddies and channels and tolerates outdoor swings. Avoid strongly acidic water, which erodes the shell.
Peaceful and harmless to other animals, though this subspecies has been recorded preying on the eggs of bluegill. Do not house it with snail-eating fish or with assassin snails.
It lives mainly on epiphytic algae, plus detritus, bacteria, aquatic plants, diatoms, green algae and cyanobacteria, and also filters suspended matter with its gills, which helps clear cloudy water. Supplement with a sinking plant food once the algae run out.
Ovoviviparous, giving birth to several to a dozen or more well-grown young. Mating and reproduction are reported to begin at 16-18C with 24-26C optimal; females produce their first young at eighteen weeks and a shell height of 15-16mm, and adult females remain gravid the year round.
Viviparids host parasites, so cook them thoroughly if eaten and wash your hands after handling. At high density they consume oxygen-producing algae and lower dissolved oxygen, so thin the numbers if they build up. It is not listed by CITES.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The average lifespan of Japanese Trapdoor Snail is 2-4 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Japanese Trapdoor Snail typically reaches Shell height 20-30mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Japanese Trapdoor Snail feeds on: Epiphytic algae, detritus and suspended matter. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Japanese Trapdoor Snail varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026