Channeled apple snails (Pomacea canaliculata) are originally native to South America. These exotic snails have been collected in Georgia. Additional locations in the United States where these snails have been found include California, Florida, North Carolina and Texas. These snails resemble the native Florida apple snail [1] (Pomacea paludosa) but some unique differences in shell attributes and egg appearance allow them to be properly identified.
The shells of P. canaliculata can be near baseball-sized (80 mm or over 3 inches). The large egg masses are laid on vegetation or trees and are bright pink or orange in color. Egg masses can be 2 to 3 inches long and may contain 200-600 eggs.
Channeled apple snail egg mass
We want to prevent the spread of this non-native species. Report any suspected apple snails in Georgia to DNR. Please provide detailed information on location and the number of live snails, shells, and egg masses.
Contact:
South Central Region - DNR Fisheries Office
PO Box 2089, 108 Darling Ave.
Waycross, GA
(912) 285-6094
Range map showing US introductions [2]
Apple snail identification information [3]
Additional apple snail resources [4]
Introduction history and status of P. canaliculata in TX [5]
Federal Register Notice [6] regarding aquatic snail permits (USDA APHIS)