Interesting Facts
The Japanese mystery snail may harbor parasites and diseases.
These could infect humans. They protect themselves with
the use of an operculum, which is like a trap door over the
opening when they pull their body into their shell (The
Oregon Conservation Strategy, 2011).
This species also impacts water habitats with rapid
reproduction. In Lake Erie, up to two tons of
Cipangopaludina japonica have been captured in fishing nets
in a single haul (Kipp, 2007).
Therefore fishermen have often called these snails a nuisance (Wolfert
and Hiltunen, 1968). This species has also caused blockages to water intake pipes by
covering pipe screens (The Oregon
Conservation Strategy, 2011).
This species is so closely related to Cipangopaludina
chinensis that there is much debate as to if they are
separate species or the same species. Many times these
sister species are confused for one another or called
synonymous. Scientists have come to the conclusion that
they are different species by looking at their morphological
structures, particularly their shells (Dillon,
2006).
Cipangopaludina japonica are sometimes sold specially
in some food markets (The Oregon
Conservation Strategy, 2011).
Species within the genus Cipangopaludina are sometimes
put in ponds to be used as filter-feeders to clarify the water (Dillon,
2006).
To view more photos of the Cipangopaludina japonica, please visit the Gallery!