Darling River Snail
Darling River Snail - Notopala sublineata
Distribution
The Darling River Snail Notopala sublineata was once common and widely distributed in the Darling River and its tributaries. The species is now restricted to a few populations in irrigation pipes near Bourke, Brewarrina and Walgett.
Characteristics
The Darling River Snail is a medium-sized (20-25mm) freshwater snail with a round shell that ends in a conical spire.
Species similar in appearance
The Darling River Snail can be confused with various other freshwater snail species, particularly Notopala suprafasciata and Notopala hanleyi. Prior to recent genetic and morphological analyses, the Darling River Snail and three other species of freshwater snails were considered to be subspecies.
Other names
River Snail
Fisheries Scientific Committee determination
More information
- Priorities Action Statement - Actions for the River Snail*
- NSW Recovery plan for the endangered River Snail 2007*
- Review of the NSW River Snail Recovery Plan (December 2017)
- Primefact: Darling River Snail
*note: prior to the species’ status revision in 2016, the Darling River Snail was referred to as ‘River Snail’.
