Trapped Air Apple Snail

[aspiringangel]

Been a million years since I was last here, mostly as a lurker, but I've had a really stable 10g for around 6 years with the same fish in it and not wanting to change anything and no $ to get a bigger / better tank, so I kinda petered out...

however, this morning I did a water change (about 25%) and this evening when I got home, my apple snail had a HUGE air pocket extending out of his shell. Convinced he was dead, I made my husband go and take a poke, and lo and behold, he's still alive and can withdraw into his shell... except for the huge creepy air bubble. My oto, cherry barb and black neon tetras are all fine, so I don't really think it was a water change issue - at least not pertaining to quality. I don't get it!

Anyone else ever had this happen? Is there a possibility it will just go away, or will he be dead soon, or is there anything I can do to help?

Thanks in advance for any help anyone can give me! It's pretty upsetting, I've had him 4 years and am pretty attached.

 

[Newman]

My gold apple does this sometimes. they can breathe through both gills and a lung organ, as you know. im guessing its just using its lung organ more? keep monitoring water parameters. make sure there is not ammonia nitrite or high nitrates to irritate it. also be sure there is plenty of surface agitation so that the water is well oxygenated (thus it can use its gills more)

This sounds sort of normal, but it could be a sign that somethings off, so check the water. if everythings fine there, than relax ;P

 

[aspiringangel]

I've seen my snail use his siphon to breathe at the surface of the water before, this air pocket thing is totally out of the ordinary though. It looks as though he has bubblegum and is blowing a bubble, from under his shell.

Still there this morning, and the snail has not moved since last night. Anyone else?

 

[Newman]

check the water... I mean REALLY check it. pH, ammo, rite, rate, KH, GH, Copper, the whole shabang.