Apple Snail Pomacea Canaliculata Research Articles

The unseen invaders: Tracking phylogeographic dynamics and genetic diversity of cryptic Pomacea canaliculata and P.maculata (Golden apple snails) across Taiwan.

The cryptic invasion of golden apple snails (Pomacea canaliculata and P. maculata) in Taiwan has caused significant ecological and economical damage over the last few decades, however, their management remains difficult due to inadequate taxonomic identification, complex phylogeny, and limited population genetic information. We aim to understand the current distribution, putative population of origin, genetic diversity, and potential path of cryptic invasion of Pomacea canaliculata and P. maculata across Taiwan to aid in improved mitigation approaches. The present investigation conducted a nationwide survey with 254 samples collected from 41 locations in 14 counties or cities across Taiwan. We identified P. canaliculata and P. maculata based on mitochondrial COI and compared their genetic diversity across Taiwan, as well as other introduced and native countries (based on publicly available COI data) to understand the possible paths of invasion to Taiwan. Based on mitochondrial COI barcoding, sympatric and heterogeneous distributions of invasive P. canaliculata and P. maculata were noted. Our haplotype analysis and mismatch distribution results suggested multiple introductions of P. canaliculata in Taiwan was likely originated directly from Argentina, whereas P. maculata was probably introduced from a single, or a few, introduction event(s) from Argentina and Brazil. Our population genetic data further demonstrated a higher haplotype and genetic diversity for P. canaliculata and P. maculata in Taiwan compared to other introduced regions. Based on our current understanding, the establishment of P. canaliculata and P. maculata is alarming and widespread beyond geopolitical borders, requiring a concerted and expedited national and international invasive species mitigation program.

Optimized production of invasive animal biochar for arsenic immobilization and methane oxidation in contaminated soils using response surface methodology

The apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata Lamarck) is among the 100 worst invasive alien species worldwide. Apple snail residues discarded during daily management are potential raw materials for biochar production. This study optimized the factors for producing apple snail biochar (ASB) using response surface methodology (RSM) and analyzed the As removal capacity and soil remediation effects of the optimal ASB. The optimal ASB occurred for 348.63 °C pyrolysis temperature, 2.19 h pyrolysis time, and 2.53 Fe3+/Fe2+ molar ratio. For the optimal ASB, the maximum experimental As(III) removal ratio was 98.72%. Temperature and the Fe3+/Fe2+ molar ratio were essential factors affecting the As removal ratio of ASB. The ASB had a rough surface, and As (1.09%) was evident on its surface after adsorption. The As(III) adsorption capacity on ASB was 10.59 mg/g at 288 K, 9.75 mg/g at 298 K, and 11.82 mg/g at 308 K. The As immobilization efficiency in the 3% and 5% ASB treatments exceeded 50% after 15 d. The 5% ASB treatment increased the soil organic matter, total N, available N, total P, and available P content by 120%, 245%, 47%, 62%, and 154%, respectively. Within 15 d, the soil methane oxidation potential peaked at 4.05 μg/g/h in the 5% ASB treatment. The maximum methane oxidation rate occurred after 10 d in the 5% ASB treatment. ASB has multiple benefits for As immobilization, quality improvement, and methane oxidation in soil. This study provides a reference for optimized production and application of invasive animal biochar in contaminated soil.

The Impact of an Alien Snail Pomacea canaliculata Invading Coastal Saline Soils on Soil Chemical and Biological Properties

Recent studies have indicated that the invasive apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata) exhibits tolerance to the salinity levels present in coastal agricultural soils, suggesting that apple snails could potentially invade salt-affected coastal agricultural areas. However, the effects of the alien snail Pomacea canaliculata invasion on coastal saline soils, such as in terms of soil properties, microbial diversity, and abundance, remain poorly understood. To fill this gap, we conducted experiments involving three salinity levels (0, 2‰, and 5‰, w/w), coupled with varying snail densities (0, 5, and 10 snails per box), applied to agricultural soil. We analyzed soil chemical properties, enzyme activities, and bacterial communities. The findings revealed that heightened soil salinity increased soil electrical conductivity (EC) (exceeding 1312.67 μS cm−1). Under saline conditions, snail treatments significantly increased the soil organic matter (SOM) content from 15.82 mg kg−1 to 18.69 mg kg−1, and concurrently diminished the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from 47.45 mg kg−1 to 34.60 mg kg−1. Both snail and salinity treatments resulted in ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N) accumulation, while nitrate nitrogen (NO3−-N) concentrations remained low in salt-affected soils. A notable positive correlation existed between the EC and the activities of hydroxylamine reductase (HR) and peroxidase (POD), where HR exhibited a positive correlation with NH4+-N, and POD displayed a negative correlation with NO3−-N. Salinity substantially decreased the diversity and altered the composition of soil bacterial community, with the phyla Bacteroidota, Proteobacteria, and Firmicutes adapting to salt-affected soil environment and proliferating. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis indicated that snails exerted a direct influence on soil-available nitrogen (including NO3−-N and NH4+-N), while salinity impacted available nitrogen by modulating soil enzyme activities and bacterial communities. Our findings provide insights into how soil responds to the concurrent impacts of snail invasion and soil salinization, establishing some references for future research.

In Vivo Investigation of the Molluscicidal Effect of Sambong (Blumea balsamifera) on Golden Apple Snail (Pomacea canaliculata)

One of the top 100 worst invasive species in the world is the golden apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata). Golden apple snails damage rice crops in the Philippines annually for $1.2 billion. GAS also presents a major health danger to people by carrying Angiostrongylus cantonensis, Echinostoma ilocanum, and Schistosoma spp. Applying artificial "instant kill" molluscicides is the simplest way to reduce GAS, however, it poses negative impacts on the environment, non-target species, and human health. The study aims to extract phytochemicals from Blumea balsamifera that are effective in killing invasive snails. The extract was obtained through maceration and was then evaporated through open-dish evaporation, it was then allowed to stand for 3 days. Five treatments were made; 2 control groups: the negative control and positive control; 3 experimental groups: 50000 PPM, 150000 PPM, and 300000 PPM concentration of B. balsamifera extract. The treatments were then distributed through water treatment to the five aquariums with labels containing 10 snails each. The snails were observed for 48 hours; a 24-hour exposure period and a 24-hour recovery period. The commercial molluscicide (Niclosamide), the 150000 PPM, and the 300000 PPM concentration of B. balsamifera extract killed all 10 snails. The 50000 PPM concentration killed 3 snails, and 1 moribund which eventually died, and the other 6 were still alive. All snails in negative control were alive. The 150000 PPM and 300000 PPM concentration was found effective according to the LC50 and LC90 test. Thus, the B. balsamifera extract can be used as a molluscicide.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Based Techniques for Monitoring and Prevention of Invasive Apple Snails (Pomacea canaliculata) in Rice Paddy Fields

The destructive impact of invasive apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata) on young rice seedlings has garnered global attention, particularly in warm regions where rice production occurs. The preventative application of insecticide, particularly in areas with young rice seedlings and water depths exceeding 4 cm, has proven effective in mitigating this damage. In line with this recommendation, our study investigates the efficacy of site-specific drone-based insecticide applications to mitigate snail damage in rice paddies. These site-specific drone applications were strategically executed as directed by a highly accurate prescription map indicating the required insecticide quantity at specific locations. The prescription map was automatically generated through an advanced data processing program that used the aerial images acquired by a Real-Time Kinematic (RTK)-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) as the input. Criteria were established to select the treatment locations; a value of below 4 cm from the top 95% percentile in the histogram of ground elevation data was used as a threshold to identify areas with a high-density of snail damage. The results demonstrated reductions in both the rates of rice damage and chemical usage following site-specific drone applications compared with the control fields. The findings in this study contribute to the advancement of effective site-specific pest control in precision agriculture.

Radiological hazard assessment of 210Po in freshwater mussels (Sinanodonta jourdyi) and golden apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata) in Vietnam.

210Po is a significant source of ionizing radiation that people are exposed to through food globally. This paper presents the wide range of accumulation level of 210Po in the organs of two species of shellfish including freshwater mussel (Sinanodonta jourdyi) and golden apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata), common freshwater species in Vietnam. There was a significant correlation between 210Po activity in muscle to their mass and size of freshwater mussels. In contrast, there was no relation between other organs of both species with their mass and size. The annual effective dose due to consumption of freshwater mussels ranged from 68.7 to 291 μSv year-1 with a mean value of 138 μSv year-1 for muscle and from 321 to 4560 μSv year-1 with a mean value of 1422 μSv year-1 for the hepatopancreas. Meanwhile, the AED for golden apple snail was recorded to be higher with values ranging from 105 to 2189 μSv year-1 with mean value of 673 μSv year-1 for muscle and from 468 to 4155 μSv year-1 with a mean value of 2332 μSv year-1 for hepatopancreas. Thus, the consumption of these two types of shellfish is considered relatively safe, but the hepatopancreas gland must be removed before processing.

Effectiveness of Plant-Based Attractants in Preventing the Escape of Golden Apple Snails (Pomacea canaliculata) into the Ecosystem

Effectiveness of Plant-Based Attractants in Preventing the Escape of Golden Apple Snails (Pomacea canaliculata) into the Ecosystem

Global distribution of the invasive apple snail Pomacea canaliculata: analyzing possible shifts in climatic niche between native and invaded ranges and future spread

Global distribution of the invasive apple snail Pomacea canaliculata: analyzing possible shifts in climatic niche between native and invaded ranges and future spread

Shell size distributions, land use, and water quality relationships of a freshwater apple snail Pomacea canaliculata (Lamarck, 1822) in Maninjau Lake, West Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract. Takarina ND, Soeprobowati TR, Komala PS, Subehi L, Wojewódka-Przyby? M, Nurdin D. 2023. Shell size distributions, land use, and water quality relationships of a freshwater apple snail Pomacea canaliculata (Lamarck, 1822) in Maninjau Lake, West Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 5478-5484. The freshwater apple snail, Pomacea canaliculata (Lamarck, 1822), is a common mollusk in lake ecosystems, including Maninjau Lake, West Sumatra. Despite its presence in Maninjau Lake, the information about its shell size, land use, and water quality variable relationships is very limited. This paper aims to study how the land use surrounding the lake and water quality variables can affect the shell size distributions of P. canaliculata. The samples were collected from several locations representing the varieties of land uses, including settlements, paddy fields, forest covers, and river mouths, along with water quality variables. Statistical analysis was done using ANOVA and validated by Tukey's post hoc test to analyze differences among locations. Pearson’s correlation test was used to analyze the relationship between shell size and water quality variables. The results show that the differences in land use and water quality variables affected the variations of shell length (P < 0.05, F = 4.925) and width (P< 0.05, F = 12.369) of P. canaliculata. The average shell length was 2.709 cm and 2.022 cm for the width. The large shell size was observed in settlement land uses (P< 0.05), and the small shell was observed in forest and paddy field land uses (P< 0.05). The water near settlement land uses was characterized by high temperatures, while colder water was observed in forest and paddy field land uses. Pearson’s test confirms that increases in shell length and width were correlated with increases in temperature and dissolved oxygen.

Pathogenesis of an experimental mycobacteriosis in an apple snail.

In this work, we aimed at investigating cell and tissue responses of the apple snail Pomacea canaliculata, following the inoculation of the zoonotic pathogen Mycobacterium marinum. Different doses were tested (10, 20, 65, and 100 M CFU) and the mortality rate was negligible. The histopathogenesis was followed at 4, 9, and 28 days after inoculation. Overt histopathological lesions were consistently observed after the two largest doses only. In the lung, marked hemocyte aggregations, including intravascular nodule formation, were observed within the large blood veins that run along the floor and roof of this organ. Hemocyte aggregations were found occluding many of the radial sinuses supplying the respiratory lamina. Acid-fast bacilli were contained in the different hemocyte aggregations. In addition, hemocytes were observed infiltrating the storage tissue, which makes up most of the lung wall, and the connective tissue of the mantle edge. Additionally, signs of degradation in the storage tissue were observed in the lung wall on day 28. In the kidney, nodules were formed associated with the constitutive hemocyte islets and with the subpallial hemocoelic space, in whose hemocytes the acid-fast structures were found. Electron microscopy analysis revealed the presence of bacteria-containing phagosomes within hemocytes located in the surface zone of the islets. Additionally, electron-dense spheroidal structures, which are likely remnants of digested mycobacteria, were observed in close proximity to the hemocytes' nuclei. The size attained by the hemocyte nodules varied during the observation period, but there was no clear dependence on dose or time after inoculation. Nodules were also formed subpallially. Some of these nodules showed 2-3 layers with different cellular composition, suggesting they may also form through successive waves of circulating cells reaching them. Nodular cores, including those formed intravascularly in the lung, would exhibit signs of hemocyte dedifferentiation, possibly proliferation, and death. Hemocyte congestion was observed in the hemocoelic spaces surrounding the pallial ends of the renal crypts, and the renal crypts themselves showed de-epithelization, particularly on day 28. The diverse cellular responses of P. canaliculata to M. marinum inoculation and the high resilience of this snail to the pathogen make it a suitable species for studying mycobacterial infections and their effects on cellular and physiological processes.

Environmental Correlates to Genetic Diversity and Structure in Invasive Apple Snail (Pomacea canaliculata) Populations in China

Invasive species are one of the most serious threats to biodiversity. Pomacea canaliculata is considered one of the world’s 100 worst invasive species. Major determinants of invasive species distribution are their environmental tolerances, and an understanding of correlations between local environmental variables (e.g., pH, concentration of dissolved oxygen) and genetic diversity is necessary to better prevent and manage the spread of invasive species. However, while such studies have demonstrated associations between the distribution and density of P. canaliculata and water quality correlates, the principal mechanisms relating genetic and these environmental correlates have not been fully articulated. Here, the correlation between physicochemical parameters and genetics of P. canaliculata were analyzed. The results showed that P. canaliculata among the six collection locations had robust genetic diversity, significant genetic differentiation, limited gene flow, and stable population dynamics. RDA analysis showed that genetic variation in P. canaliculata was significantly correlated with concentration of dissolved oxygen and pH. These results will provide a basis for effectively preventing and managing the spread of invasive species and identifying which habitats may be more at risk of invasion.

Efficacy of Giant River Prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii in Controlling the Invasive Snail Pomacea canaliculata: Implications for Ecological Farming

The invasive golden apple snail Pomacea canaliculata has a strong reproductive capacity and has rapidly spread in Asian countries. Current control methods include physical, chemical, and biological approaches, but there has been limited research on the control of P. canaliculata in its different life stages. This study assessed the effectiveness of using giant river prawns Macrobrachium rosenbergii in controlling juveniles of P. canaliculata through a controlled indoor experiment. The density, size, and dispersal range of recently hatched juvenile snails were significantly lower among those kept with prawns than those kept without prawns, indicating a control effect of M. rosenbergii at least on P. canaliculata juveniles. Furthermore, the study speculates on the potential application of M. rosenbergii in the context of a rice–prawn symbiotic system of ecological farming to control invasive P. canaliculata. In terms of effectiveness and safety, its application might lead to a win-win situation for both rice-farm profits and the ecological benefits of invasive species control.

Chinese Spinach (Amaranthus viridis Linn.) as Natural Molluscicide Against the Hatchability of Golden Apple Snail (Pomacea canaliculata Lamarck) Eggs

Chinese Spinach (Amaranthus viridis Linn.) as Natural Molluscicide Against the Hatchability of Golden Apple Snail (Pomacea canaliculata Lamarck) Eggs

A Review of the Potential of Golden Apple Snail (Pomacea Canaliculata) as a Raw Material for Aquaculture Feed

This review offers a overview of the golden apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata) as a potential raw material for aquaculture feed. The taxonomy, anatomy, habitat, life cycle, nutritional composition, and utilization prospects of this freshwater snail species are discussed. The golden apple snail's features, including its conical shell, distinct coloration, and unique respiratory system comprising gills and a lung, contribute to its adaptability and mobility in diverse environments. Its life cycle encompasses egg deposition, hatching, and subsequent growth stages, with reproductive maturity and lifespan influenced by environmental factors. With its significant calcium content and variable protein levels, the golden apple snail holds nutritional value. Consequently, it has gained attention as a promising ingredient for aquaculture feed due to its protein-rich meat

Assessment of the socio-economic impacts associated with the arrival of apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata) in Mwea irrigation scheme, Kenya.

In Kenya, rice (Oryza sativa L.) is mainly produced under irrigation by small-scale farmers. Mwea irrigation scheme (MIS) in Kirinyaga County accounts for 80-88% of rice production. Here, rice is the main source of livelihood and a source of revenue generation for the county. However, a recently established invasive freshwater snail, Pomacea canaliculata (Lamarck) (family: Ampullariidae), a species of apple snail, presents a serious threat to rice production. Household surveys, focus group discussions and key informant interviews highlight apple snail as a serious problem in MIS. Households that observed at least a moderate level of infestation (>20% of cultivated area) experienced significant reductions in rice yield (~14%) and net rice income (~60%). Farmers reported increased use of chemical pesticides for management of apple snail. In addition, the cost of hired labor for physical removal of egg masses and snails is resulting in substantial negative effects on net income. Farmer age, area of land owned, responsibility for decision-making, receipt of extension advice, training, and membership of a farmer organization, were all statistically significant variables to explain farmers awareness of the need for area-wide apple snail management. Strategies to limit the spread of apple snail are urgently needed. A Multi-Institutional Technical Team (MITT) has been established to spearhead management efforts and consolidate advice to farmers on how to manage apple snail. However, without action to mitigate spread, the consequences could be disastrous for rice production and food security in Kenya, and for other rice growing regions across Africa. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Top-Down Effect of Arthropod Predator Chinese Mitten Crab on Freshwater Nutrient Cycling.

Aquatic litter decomposition is highly dependent on contributions and interactions at different trophic levels. The invasion of alien aquatic organisms like the channeled apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata) might lead to changes in the decomposition process through new species interactions in the invaded wetland. However, it is not clear how aquatic macroinvertebrate predators like the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) will affect the nutrient cycle in freshwater ecosystems in the face of new benthic invasion. We used the litter bag method to explore the top-down effect of crabs on the freshwater nutrient cycle with the help of soil zymography (a technology previously used in terrestrial ecosystems). The results showed significant feeding effects of crabs and snails on lotus leaf litter and cotton strips. Crabs significantly inhibited the intake of lotus litter and cotton strips and the ability to transform the environment of snails by predation. Crabs promoted the decomposition of various litter substrates by affecting the microbial community structure in the sediment. These results suggest that arthropod predators increase the complexity of detrital food webs through direct and indirect interactions, and consequently have an important impact on the material cycle and stability of freshwater ecosystems. This top-down effect makes macrobenthos play a key role in the biological control and engineering construction of freshwater ecosystems.

Characterization of the shell proteins in two freshwater snails Pomacea canaliculata and Cipangopaludina chinensis

Uncovering the molecular mechanism of shell formation not only reveals the evolution of molluscs but also lay a foundation for shell-inspired biomaterial synthesis. Shell proteins are the key macromolecules of the organic matrices that guide the calcium carbonate deposition during shell mineralization and have thus been intensively studied. However, previous studies on shell biomineralization have mainly focused on marine species. In this study, we compared the microstructure and shell proteins in the apple snail Pomacea canaliculata which is an alien species that has invaded Asia, and a freshwater snail Cipangopaludina chinensis which is native to China. The results showed that although the shell microstructures were similar in these two snails, the shell matrix in C. chinensis contained more polysaccharides. Moreover, the compositions of shell proteins were quite different. While the shared 12 shell proteins (including PcSP6/CcSP9, Calmodulin-A, and proline-rich protein) were supposed to play key roles in shell formation, the differential proteins were mainly immune components. The presence of chitin in both shell matrices and the chitin-binding domains containing PcSP6/CcSP9 underpinned the relevance of chitin as a major fraction in gastropods. Interestingly, carbonic anhydrase was absent in both snail shells, suggesting that freshwater gastropods might have unique pathways to regulate the calcification process. Our study suggested that shell mineralization might be very different in freshwater and marine molluscs, and therefore, the field should pay more attention to the freshwater species to achieve a more comprehensive insight into biomineralization.

Golden apple snail management (Pomacea canaliculata Lamarck) using integrated pest management (IPM) and non-integrated pest management (non-IPM) on paddy cultivation

The golden apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata Lamarck) is one of the main pests of rice (Oryza sativa Linnaeus) that can be controlled by integrated pest management (IPM). This research aimed to compare the population and the attack rate of golden apple snails and rice production using IPM and non-IPM. This research was conducted from April to August 2021 in Nagari Koto Tuo Sijunjung Regency, West Sumatera. It used an experimental design that compares IPM and non-IPM treatments and analyzed with a t-test. The control techniques in the IPM were making trenches and maintaining the water level very low, using filters on water inlets and outlets, using ripe Artocarpus heterophyllus Lamark skin as bait, using botanical pesticides from Nothopanax scutellarium Merr leaves, and planting 21-day-old seedlings. The parameters observed were the attacked clumps (%), attacked tillers (%), golden apple snail population (individuals/m2), and rice production (kg/m2). The result showed that the percentage of rice clumps attacked in the IPM treatment was 11.33%, while the non-IPM treatment was 54.66%. The percentage of rice tillers attacked in the IPM treatment was 11.28%, while the non-IPM treatment was 32.51%. The population of golden apple snails in the IPM treatment was 0.19 individuals/m2, while in the non-IPM treatment was 2.04 individuals/m2. The production of rice plants under IPM treatment was 2,69 kg/m2, while the non-IPM treatment was 0,71 kg/m2. The implementation of IPM by combining various techniques effectively controlled golden apple snail attacks on clumps and tillers, and increased rice production compared to non-IPM.

Potential Detritivorous Diet of the Invasive Apple Snail (Pomacea canaliculata Lamarck, 1822) in Mangroves: The Relationship between Feeding Indicators and Chemical Characteristics of Decaying Leaf Litter

Invasive species have had substantial impacts on global mangrove forests. Apple snails (Pomacea canaliculata) have invaded mangrove forests in China. To clarify the potential detritivorous diet of P. canaliculata, the growth and feeding indicators of invasive juvenile snails collected from mangroves in Guangzhou, China, were studied using decaying leaf litter from five mangrove species, including Acanthus ilicifolius, Acrostichum aureum, Kandelia candel, Aegiceras corniculatum, and Sonneratia apetala. The growth indicators of the survival ratio and specific growth rate were calculated by measuring the live weight of the snails and the number of dead snails after 30 days. The feeding indicator of the weight-specific daily feeding rate (WDR) was calculated by measuring the snail weight and the amount of leaf litter ingested after 120 h. A multiple-choice experiment was performed on the snails by providing the decaying leaf species together, while a no-choice experiment was performed using a single species of decaying leaf litter. The survival and specific growth ratio of P. canaliculata feeding on decaying leaf litter of A. ilicifolius were higher than those for A. aureum. The WDR values of P. canaliculata feeding on the decaying leaf litter of A. ilicifolius and S. apetala were both significantly higher than those for A. corniculatum, A. aureum, and K. candel. The lowest WDR value of P. canaliculata feeding on decaying leaf litter was observed for A. aureum in the no-choice experiment. P. canaliculata mainly fed on decaying leaf litter of A. ilicifolius and S. apetala. The phosphorous contents and ash of the decaying leaf litter positively affected the WDR values of P. canaliculata obtained in the multiple-choice and no-choice experiments. The contents of lignin, tannin, and flavonoid negatively affected the WDR values of P. canaliculata. The potential diet of invasive P. canaliculata in mangroves was closely tied to the chemical characteristics of the decaying leaf litter. P. canaliculata can invade A. ilicifolius and/or S. apetala mangroves by utilizing the debris on the mangrove ground. Understanding the potential detritivorous diet of P. canaliculata in invaded mangroves can help us to assess this species’ dispersal risk and provide support for mangrove management.

Large shifts of niche and range in the golden apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata), an aquatic invasive species

AbstractNiche and range shifts of invasive species are essential in assessing the risk of biological invasions and developing ecological niches and species distribution theories. Studies on invasive aquatic species' niche and range shifts have important implications for conserving aquatic invasive ecosystems. Here we used niche and range dynamic models to explore niche and range shifts of the golden apple snail Pomacea canaliculata, one of the world's most invasive aquatic species. The major factors responsible for P. canaliculata niche shifts in native and invaded regions were minimum temperature of the coldest month and precipitation in the warmest quarter. The niche and range of invasive P. canaliculata snails were not conserved relative to their native counterparts and had a broader niche and larger range, which are consistent with the findings that invasive P. canaliculata snails could survive in colder, hotter, drier, and wetter climates. Given that niche nonconservatism could result in range nonconservatism and small increases in niche breadth could induce large range expansions, niche shifts might provide a more sensitive indicator of invasion risk than range shifts. In contrast to most invasive species that show conservatism of their native niches, we observed high niche lability between the P. canaliculata snails in the native and invaded regions. Our findings indicate that the golden apple snail is a high‐risk invasive aquatic species for its ability to aggressively proliferate through its rapid reproduction rate, fast growth as suggested by previous studies, and also for its highly labile niches and ranges, which facilitates adaptation to the climate of the introduced regions.