Freebie Tank

Someone left this little tank out in the lobby.  It had a plastic plant and an almost full container of fish food.  I guess it didn't go so well for them

Hmmmm.  The possibilities....

Update: well, the power supply to the filter failed after a coupe of months. The down side of an integrated system is that there is absolutely no way to replace the filter only. A single power supply served the filter and the light and is hard wire and encased in plastic.  Whatever make or model this is, I cannot say that I recommend it.

So the whole unit was discarded and I replaced is with an Eheim 4 gallon in glass.  More about that coming up.

Pomecea Canaliculata

Cana snails grow quite large, so I would suggest a tank with a minimum capacity of 5 gallons.  They are a dangerously invasive species that may not be kept in some states, you need to refer to your states invasive species list.  for the same reason they may not be bought or traded across state lines.

Cana will eat almost every kind of plant, and so cannot be kept in a planted tank.  The only exception I have found so far are moss balls. It has been reported that they will not eat pond weed (Elodea canadensis)

Mating

Canas are sometimes called "true apple snails".  Many species are referred to fairly interchangeably as apple snails of mystery snails, but if you want a snail that will actually grow to the size of an apple--choose a cana.

Female laying eggs

Snails are male and female, and females lay eggs in large masses above the water line. The eggs hatch after 2-4 weeks and the snails drop into the water.

Snails hatching

Fish News

• Pet catfish devastate ecosystems when set free: "The fish, in the family Loricariidae, are marketed as “plecos” or “algae eaters” and are popular in the multibillion-dollar pet industry. Several species of loricariids, also known as sailfin catfishes, have become established outside their native ranges after aquarium owners let them loose in warm fresh and brackish waters"
• Catfish are observed hunting and eating pigeons
• Fighting fish 'take a breather':"Dr Portugal explained that for the fighting fish this "seemingly gentleman-like behaviour" is purely tactical."
• Protect the Oceans: Don't Flush That Fish!

Dude...

CPO pictures (Dwarf Mexican Crawfish)

CPO

Mating

Crayfish in foreground, shed skin in background