Mud snail (Potamopyrgus)

Taxonomic group

Tateidae: Potamopyrgus

Diagnostic features

Potamopyrgus is a genus of native snails, the most common of which (P. antipodarum) is our most widespread freshwater snail. They are small, black, brown or pale snails with an obvious spire, an operculum (protective shield) covering the aperture (shell opening) when the animal withdraws, and sometimes with nodules around the shell. The aperture is on the right when facing toward you and when the spire points upwards.

Mud snail [Potamopyrgus antipodarum]. Image: Stephen Moore Image — Mud snail Potamopyrgus antipodarum. Image: Stephen Moore

Mud snail [Potamopyrgus estuarinus]. Aperture is on the right when facing toward you and when the spire points upwards. Image: Stephen Moore Image — Mud snail Potamopyrgus estuarinus. Aperture is on the right when facing toward you and when the spire points upwards. Image: Stephen Moore

Typical habitats

Potamopyrgus antipodarum is found in most New Zealand streams and rivers. P. estuarinus is restricted to sites with tidal influence.

Feeding

Like most snails they are grazers, scraping biofilms from submerged surfaces.

Indicator value

Hard bottom: 4
Soft bottom: 2.1

The tolerance values (ranging from 0 to 10) give an indication of which are the sensitive taxa (values of 8 or more) and which are the tolerant taxa (values of 3 or less). For more information see: Indicator species

High population densities are an indication of a long period since any significant flood event. They are found in pristine and polluted waters, and have been assigned tolerance values of 4 (hard bottom sites) and 2.1 (soft bottom sites).