Pouch Snails
Benthic Macroinvertebrates
Sensitive Benthos
Moderately Tolerant Benthos
Pollution Tolerant Benthos
Description:
![Physella sp. - photo by Wayne Davis USEPA](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20081029221323im_/http://www.epa.gov/bioindicators/images/invertebrates/physellasp_web.jpg)
Physella sp.
distinguished from the "right-handed" snails by the fact that the shell opening is on the left-handed side as the point of the shell [spire] is straight up and the opening faces you; does not possess gills, but a sac-like lung with which they can breath air; color is brown, gray or black, often with algae growing on the shell; length is up to 1/2 inch.
Reproduction:
gelatinous egg masses are deposited under rocks or other debris.
Food:
algae, other aquatic plants, and sometimes dead animals; preyed upon by fish, birds, and some turtles.
Scientific Name:
Class: Mollusca
Order: Gastropoda
Family: Physidae
Indicator Role:
Pouch snails generally indicate nutrient enriched conditions and poor water quality.
Information Source:
McDonald, B., W. Borden, J. Lathrop.1990. Citizen Stream Monitoring: A Manual for Illinois. Illinois Department of Energy and Natural Resources, ILENR/RE-WR-90/18. Springfield, Illinois.
For More Information: ![Exit EPA Disclaimer](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20081029221323im_/http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/epafiles_misc_exitepadisc.gif)
- Freshwater Snails of Florida Prepared by Fred G. Thompson, Curator of Malacology, Florida Museum of Natural History.
- Aquatic Mollusks of North Dakota Cvancara, Alan M. 1983. Aquatic mollusks of North Dakota. North Dakota Geological Survey, Report of Investigation No. 78. Jamestown, ND: (Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center).(Version 15AUG97)
- Lackawanna River Pouch Snails, Limpets, & Fingernail Clams from Lackawanna River Corridor Association
- Pouch Snail - Project Watershed Central New York
- Pouch Snail - Trumbell Soil and Water Conservations District (Ohio)