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Bladder Snail (Physa acuta)

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description Bladder Snail (Physa acuta) Overview

Physa acuta, also treated in some taxonomic sources as Physella acuta, is a small air-breathing freshwater snail in the family Physidae. Its native range has been debated, but the species is now widely established through human-assisted dispersal and occurs on every continent except Antarctica. It inhabits ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, and ditches, often near the water surface, and feeds on algae, detritus, and other organic material. The left-coiling shell distinguishes it from many common right-coiling pond snails.

[USGS species profile](https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/factsheet.aspx?speciesid=1025)

help Bladder Snail (Physa acuta) FAQ

What is the bladder snail?

The bladder snail is Physa acuta, also treated in some sources as Physella acuta. It is a small air-breathing freshwater snail in the family Physidae.

Where does Physa acuta live?

It occurs in ponds, lakes, ditches, streams, and other freshwater habitats. The species is now widely established on every continent through human-assisted dispersal, although its original native range has been debated.

Why is Physa acuta called a bladder snail?

It belongs to the physid group commonly called bladder snails. These snails breathe air and can use a lung-like cavity, allowing them to live in shallow and sometimes low-oxygen freshwater.

Is Physa acuta native everywhere it occurs?

No. Its native range is debated, and many populations outside the presumed original range spread through human activity. Today it is widely established across all continents.

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