The Black Snail is one of about 120 species belonging to the Ampullariidae family. The Ampullariidaefamily name is also sometimes referred to as Pilidae. The most visible characteristic of snails belonging to the Pomacea genus is the siphon. When needed, this siphon will extend out to the water surface allowing the snail to breathe while submerged. The siphon in this genus is typically longer than the length of the snail's body. The shells of Black Mystery Snails can vary significantly in pattern and color, including gold, jet black, and ivory forms.

In its natural habitat, the Black Mystery Snail remains inactive during the day and becomes more active at night searching the substrate for food. In the wild, some species may leave the water in search of fresh food. Two to four inches of open air space above the water line in the aquarium is required as these snails need open air to breath. Black Mystery Snails are very peaceful animals and should not be housed with any other animals that would like to make a meal of them.

Members of the Ampullariidae family are either male or female. The sex of a snail can be determined if they are the same age and have been kept in the same environment and are fed the same foods in which case then females will be larger than males. Eggs are laid in clutches, above the waterline and generally at night; 200 and 600 eggs can be laid. Depending on the temperature, eggs hatch after two to three weeks. The young will eat the same diet as the adults.

Pomacea sp. will eat algae, plants, vegetables, flake food, frozen foods, and live foods.