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Invasive Exotic Snails in
Central Florida Waterways
The Island Apple Snail was discovered in Lake Brantley June 2004.
Before June, these invasive, exotic snails were not known to be in the
Central Florida area.
Populations are now reported in all central
Florida counties, most south Florida counties, and Leon County in the
panhandle. It is likely that they will spread to many other areas, and
perhaps throughout the state.
About the Island Apple Snail (photos)
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Introduced via aquarium trade and for
aquaculture
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Why are these snails a threat?
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nWEat virtually all types of aquatic plants
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nReproduce rapidly, repeatedly, and profusely
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nFew predators in Florida
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thThreaten native species (habitat alteration,
competition, aquatic plant eradication)
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Much larger than native apple snail (see
photo)
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Invasive Island apple snail lays more eggs than native
apple snail. Lays up to 1000 tiny pink eggs
at a time
on plant stems, docks, seawalls, etc. (see
photo)
What can be done?
Want more information?
previously the snails were
identified as channeled apple snail rather than island apple
snail. and Pomacea canaliculata rather than
Pomacea insularum.
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Island Apple Snail left with native
apple snail (right) |
Invasive, exotic Island Apple Snail |
Native Apple Snail |
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Invasive Island Apple Snail (Pomacea canaliculata) from
Lake Brantley
6-29-04
Invasive Island Apple Snail on aquarium glass
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Invasive Island Apple Snail eggs on left, native
apple snail eggs on right.
Eggs
of the invasive snail are much smaller, more numerous,
and pinker than native apple snails. |
Female laying eggs on cypress tree
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Central District home
Contact List-
Surface Water Management and Monitoring
Central
District Office
Watershed Management and Monitoring Section
3319 Maguire
Blvd, Suite 232
Orlando,
Florida 32803-3767
phone: 407
894-7555
fax: 407
897-6499
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