Mystery Snails Invading Georgia Waters, Threatening Native Species

A new species of mystery snails has been detected in Lake Lanier, leading the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to ask for help in stopping the spread of the invasive species.

Mystery snails have been found in Lake Lanier and other Georgia waterways, posing risks to native lake species.Photo byDeanLand / OurTravelCafe.com

According to the Georgia DNR, Chinese/Japanese Mystery Snails now have been discovered in multiple locations in Georgia, recently including Lake Lanier. WRD officials were conducting routine samplings of the lake when the new invasive species was found in Lake Lanier.

While the source of the invasive species is unknown, Georgia DNR officials speculated that aquariums and food markets may be two potential sources. Regulations prohibit individuals from possessing live mystery snails within the state of Georgia, regardless of their intended use, according to the Georgia DNR.

The same species of mystery snail has been detected in the Great Lakes region, including Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, according to the website, invasivespecies.com.

Georgia's DNR is asking citizens to report any sightings of the mystery snail and other aquatic nusiance species. Instructions for reporting can be found on the Georgia DNR website. Adult snails are over 1 ½ inches in length, and color varies from olive green to brown to reddish brown. The shell has 6-7 whorls and no banding. They have an operculum (trapdoor), which seals off the snail from adverse water conditions.

Mystery snails are approximately 1.5 inches long. The have an olive green to brownish shell. They may be sealed by a protective "trap door."Photo byConwaylake.org

In addition to the discovery of the new mystery snails, Georgia has faced another ongoing invasion by South American apple snails. According to the US Geological Survey, apple snail colonies are established in Florida, Georgia, Texas, and Louisiana. USGS documents indicate that apple snails have the potential to negatively impact wetland and aquatic ecosystems, agricultural crops, and human health – as they can carry parasites.

Invasive apple snails lay thousands of eggs in pink clusters, often found clinging to sturdy vegetation and hard surfaces along waterways.Photo byPublic Domain

Found in freshwater lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, and ditches, apple snails can grow to 6 inches high. Their presence is often indicated by the bright pink egg masses that consist of hundreds, if not thousands of individual eggs.