The Biological Characteristics and Artificial Propagation of Formosus

Fuzhou snail, also known as the golden apple snail (*Ampullaria crosseana*), is an exotic species originally from the Amazon River basin in South America. It was introduced to China in 1981 and has since become both a valuable aquaculture resource and a potential ecological threat. Due to its rapid growth, high reproductive capacity, and strong adaptability, it can easily escape into natural water bodies and become invasive, causing damage to agriculture and ecosystems. Therefore, careful management and control are essential during breeding to prevent ecological and economic losses. The snail is highly nutritious, with tender flesh rich in protein, carotene, vitamins, and minerals. It is considered a delicacy and is particularly beneficial for people with hypertension and heart disease due to its low fat content. In addition, it serves as a high-quality feed for various aquatic animals, making it economically valuable. Fuzhou snails are large, omnivorous mollusks with a wide range of dietary preferences. They thrive in freshwater environments, often found near the edges of ponds or attached to aquatic plants. Their ideal water temperature ranges between 25–32°C, and they can survive in temperatures as low as 5°C or as high as 45°C. These snails are known for their fast growth, strong adaptability, and high yield, which has led to their widespread cultivation across China. Morphologically, Fuzhou snails have a distinct body structure, consisting of a head, foot, visceral mass, mantle, and shell. The shell is round, thin, and right-handed, with a smooth surface and a deep umbilicus. The mantle is transparent and covers the internal organs, while a lung-like sac allows them to breathe air, enabling them to float on the water surface. In terms of behavior, these snails are active during the day and prefer to feed on plant-based materials such as duckweed, vegetables, and fruits. They especially enjoy sweet foods and can be trained to eat commercial feeds like corn and bran when raised in captivity. In times of food scarcity, they may even consume smaller snails or eggs, showing opportunistic feeding habits. Reproduction is one of the most remarkable aspects of the Fuzhou snail. They are dioecious, meaning they have separate sexes, and females can lay thousands of eggs per year. Mating occurs in water, and after fertilization, females lay eggs in clusters on the walls of ponds, stems, or leaves of aquatic plants. The eggs are pink, oval-shaped, and hatch within 10–15 days under favorable conditions. Once hatched, the young snails drop into the water and begin feeding immediately. For artificial breeding, it is important to select healthy adult snails with intact shells and a male-to-female ratio of 2:1 or 4:1. Breeding ponds should be shallow (30–50 cm) with structures for egg-laying, and the water must remain clean and stable. Proper feeding, including green fodder and concentrated feeds, ensures optimal growth. Egg collection should be done carefully, ideally 10–20 hours after laying, when the eggs are still soft but not too wet. Incubation at around 28–30°C for 7–10 days leads to successful hatching, and the young snails start feeding shortly after emerging.

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Seafood Mix,Cooked Mussel Meat,Mussel Half Shell,Cut Swimming Crab

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