The Biological Characteristics and Artificial Propagation of Formosus

Fuzhou snail, also known as the golden apple snail, is an exotic species originally from the Amazon River basin in South America. It was introduced to China in 1981 and has since become a popular species for aquaculture due to its fast growth, high yield, and nutritional value. However, because of its strong reproductive ability and adaptability, it can easily escape into natural environments and become an invasive pest, posing a serious threat to agriculture and ecosystems. Therefore, strict control measures are essential during breeding to prevent ecological damage and economic loss. The Achatina fulica, commonly called Fuzhou snail, is not only a delicacy but also a valuable resource for both human consumption and animal feed. Its meat is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, with low fat content, making it ideal for people with hypertension or heart disease. In addition, it serves as an important feed source for some aquatic animals. The snails are large in size, have a wide appetite, and can thrive in various conditions, which has led to their widespread cultivation across China. Biologically, these snails belong to the class Gastropoda, order Pulmonata, and family Ampullariidae. They have a distinct anatomy, consisting of five main parts: the head, foot, visceral mass, mantle, and shell. The head features two tentacles, with eyes at the base of the rear one. The mouth is located on the ventral side, while the foot is broad and muscular, allowing them to crawl along walls and plant stems. Their shells are round, thin, and right-handed, with a smooth surface that varies in color from yellow-brown to dark brown. The mantle is transparent and covers the internal organs, while a lung-like sac allows them to breathe air directly. In terms of behavior, they prefer freshwater environments with abundant food sources, often clustering near shallow waters, attaching themselves to aquatic plants, or floating on the water surface. They can survive out of water for short periods. Optimal growth occurs between 25-32°C, and they cannot tolerate temperatures below 5°C or above 45°C. As omnivores, they mainly consume plant matter like duckweed, vegetables, and fruits, though they are particularly fond of sweet foods. In captivity, they are often fed corn, bran, and other concentrates. Young snails may also eat algae and organic matter, and in times of scarcity, they may even consume smaller snails or eggs. Reproduction is a key aspect of their life cycle. Fuzhou snails are dioecious, with internal fertilization and external egg-laying. They reach sexual maturity within 3-4 months under favorable conditions. Breeding typically occurs from March to November, peaking between May and August when the water temperature ranges from 18-30°C. Mating takes place in water and lasts 3-5 hours. A single mating event can result in multiple spawning sessions, with females laying eggs 3-5 days later. Eggs are laid in clusters on aquatic plants or structures, measuring about 2 mm in diameter. Each batch can contain 200-1000 eggs, and females can spawn up to 40 times per year, producing 3-5 million eggs annually. The eggs hatch after 10-15 days in air, and the young snails fall into the water once they break through the membrane. For artificial breeding, proper identification of males and females is crucial. While their appearance is similar, females tend to be larger, and the shape of their genital openings differs. For successful breeding, select mature snails over four months old, with intact shells. A suitable pond should be shallow (30-50 cm), with structures for egg attachment and proper drainage. Feeding should be consistent, with a mix of green fodder and concentrated feed. During the hatching process, collected eggs must be carefully managed—too early or too late collection can damage the eggs. Incubation at 28-30°C for 7-10 days ensures optimal hatching, and the young snails begin feeding shortly after emerging.

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