Trapdoor Snail | Viviparus viviparus
Hardy, slow-breeding algae eater that improves water quality and prevents pond waste buildup.
Pack of 5
Normally Available From: May
Trapdoor Snails are excellent pond cleaners, feeding on algae and detritus without overbreeding. Their slow reproduction makes them an ideal choice for maintaining a balanced ecosystem. Hardy and easy to care for, they help improve water quality naturally, reducing waste buildup and supporting a healthier pond environment.
Not suitable for new ponds due to lack of natural algae.
How to Introduce Your Pond Snails Safely
Your pond snails are shipped in a pot with damp newspaper to keep them moist during transit. Follow these steps to safely introduce them to your pond:
- Unpack Carefully – Open the packaging gently to avoid damaging the snails.
- Check for Movement – Add a little pond water to the pot; within a few minutes, the snails should begin to move.
- Release into the Pond – Gently place the snails into shallow water. They will settle naturally and start grazing on algae.
- Floating Snails? – If any snails float and do not move, they have unfortunately not survived the journey. Please email us a photo if any have died in transit, and we’ll be happy to assist.
Please note our dates are subject to change as conditions may mean that our plants are not quite ready for you
Pond Snails - Good to Know
What Do Snails Do in a Pond?
Snails play an important role in keeping your pond healthy. They help control algae by grazing on its growth, break down decaying plant matter, and contribute to overall water clarity. By feeding on excess nutrients, they help maintain a balanced ecosystem, making them a valuable addition to a wildlife pond.
Are Pond Snails Good for My Pond?
Yes! Pond snails act as natural cleaners, consuming algae, uneaten fish food, and organic debris. They contribute to better water quality and help maintain a balanced ecosystem.
What’s the Difference Between Ramshorn and Trapdoor Snails?
Ramshorn and Trapdoor snails both help keep ponds clean but have some key differences:
- Ramshorn Snails have flat, spiral shells resembling a ram’s horn. They tend to stay on plants, pond walls, and surfaces, feeding on algae and biofilm. They reproduce quickly.
- Trapdoor Snails have rounded, cone-shaped shells with a small operculum ("trapdoor") for protection. They prefer the bottom of the pond, feeding on detritus and algae in the substrate. They reproduce more slowly.
Both are great for ponds, but Trapdoor snails are better if you want to avoid overpopulation.
Can I Add Snails to a New Pond?
If your pond is brand new, it’s best to wait before adding snails. They rely on algae and biofilm as their main food source, which takes time to develop in a newly filled pond. If introduced too early, they may struggle to find enough food and could starve. Ideally, add snails once your pond is well-established with natural algae growth.
Will Snails Eat My Pond Plants?
Most pond snails prefer algae and decaying plant matter over healthy plants. However, if food is scarce, some species may nibble on soft aquatic plants. If this happens, you can add blanched lettuce leaves to your pond - snails love them and will leave your plants alone.
What Eats Pond Snails in the UK?
Many pond creatures help control snail populations naturally. In the UK, frogs, toads, newts, ducks, and certain fish like loaches and goldfish all eat pond snails. A balanced ecosystem with natural predators prevents snails from becoming too abundant.
How Do Snails Reproduce, and Will They Overpopulate My Pond?
- Ramshorn Snails lay clusters of eggs on plants and surfaces and reproduce quickly.
- Trapdoor Snails give birth to live young and reproduce much more slowly, making them easier to manage.
If you’re worried about too many snails, encouraging natural predators like frogs, toads, or snail-eating fish can help keep their numbers balanced.
Will Snails Survive the Winter in My Pond?
Yes! Many pond snails hibernate by burrowing into the mud at the bottom of the pond during cold months. Some may remain active in milder winters.
How Do I Control Pond Snail Populations If They Get Too High?
Snails are beneficial, but if their numbers get out of control, there are natural ways to reduce them:
- Introduce predators like frogs, toads, or snail-eating fish.
- Manually remove excess snails using a net.
- Use lettuce traps—place a blanched lettuce leaf in the pond overnight, then remove it in the morning with snails attached.
- Reduce excess nutrients by clearing decaying leaves and avoiding overfeeding fish. Snails thrive on organic waste.
- Avoid chemical treatments, as they can harm other pond life. Keeping a natural balance is the best way to manage snail populations.
Where Should I Place Snails in My Pond?
Simply release them into the water, and they’ll find their preferred habitat. Ramshorn snails tend to stay on pond walls, plants, and surfaces, while Trapdoor snails bury themselves in the pond floor. If introducing them for algae control, placing them near plant shelves or shallow areas helps them start feeding quickly.
Is Barley Straw Safe for Pond Snails?
Yes! Barley straw is a natural way to help control algae, and it won’t harm snails or other pond wildlife. In fact, it can benefit snails by improving water quality and reducing excessive algae blooms.
Shipping & Delivery
Delivery Prices
Mainland UK
Standard delivery: £6.00
Large plants (e.g., 30ltr waterlilies): pallet delivery - quote required.
Soil & gravel: additional charges apply for multiple bags.
Please email us with your postcode if a delivery price is not displaying at checkout
Highlands & Islands
Small parcels under 1.8kg: £6.00
Standard parcels over 1.8kg: £25.00
All H&I deliveries use 48-hour services
If you’re unsure about delivery costs to your postcode, please email us at.
Container Ponds
Delivery from £30 (postcode-based, please check before ordering)
Shipping to Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and Europe
Sorry, we are unable to ship to the above destinations.
Dispatch Schedule
Aquatic Plants
March: Monday and Thursday
April – August: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
Late August to October: Monday and Thursday
October – February: Tuesday only
Aquatic plants are dispatched all year round, though frequency reduces during low season.
Garden Plants
Dispatched all year round - Tuesday & Thursday
Are plants dispatched the same day as ordering?
No. Live plants require draining and careful preparation. The nurseries dispatch in scheduled batches rather than on-demand. This means same-day dispatch isn’t possible, but we always aim to send your order as promptly as we can within our dispatch schedule.
If you’d like to check when your order is likely to arrive, just email us and we’ll be happy to advise.
Delivery and Couriers
We use trusted UK couriers:
APC and Royal Mail for pond plants
DX for garden plants
Pallet deliveries for 30ltr waterlilies, large landscape orders and container ponds
Delivery Times
APC and DX orders are sent on overnight services but may take up to 48 hours depending on your local depot.
Royal Mail parcels usually arrive within 24–48 hours.
Plants are packed in damp soil and remain safe in transit for several days.
Tracking and Safe Place Instructions
Your dispatch email will contain tracking information where applicable.
Couriers are instructed to leave parcels in a safe place with no signature required. You can add your own delivery notes using the links below. We recommend requesting a cool, shaded spot so the plants stay fresh on arrival.
APC - https://apcchoice.apc-overnight.com/
Royal Mail - will use your email and mobile number provided during ordering to send delivery updates and enable you to add safe-place instructions.
Please do not delay delivery of live plants.
Royal Mail will never ask you to make an additional payment for a delivery. If you receive a message requesting payment, please delete it and do not click any links. If you are unsure whether a message is genuine, email us and we’ll be happy to advise
Damages & Returns
If your order arrives damaged, please take photos of the packaging and plants and email us with your PFP order number.
Due to bio-security and the perishable nature of plants, we cannot accept returns of plants or molluscs.
Container ponds are handmade to order and non-returnable unless damaged.
For full details, please see our returns policy
Need Help?
If you have any questions about delivery or dispatch times, please email us
Plants Delivered with Care Across the UK
Based in Hertfordshire, we ship plants across the UK, ensuring they reach you in tip-top condition to enhance your pond with vibrant, healthy greenery. Supporting a small, local business like ours means getting a personal touch – no big teams, no call centres, just real, knowledgeable help from people who care.
