Ramshorn Snail

Overview

• Common Name: Ramshorn Snail
• Scientific Family: Planorbidae
• Species Variants: Planorbella duryi, Planorbis rubrum, others
• Size: 0.5–1.5 inches (1.3–3.8 cm)
• Lifespan: 1–2 years
• Color Varieties: Red, blue, pink, brown, black

Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: 5+ gallons (can live in nano tanks)
• Tank Setup:
• Substrate: Any type (sand or gravel)
• Décor: Plants, rocks, wood (for grazing surfaces)
• Lid: Recommended (they may crawl out)
• Lighting: Moderate (they are active during day and night)

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 65–80°F (18–27°C)
• pH: 7.0–8.0 (prefer alkaline)
• Hardness: Medium to hard (helps with shell health)
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: < 40 ppm

Note: Soft, acidic water can cause shell erosion.

Diet

• Feeding Type: Omnivore & scavenger
• Foods They Eat:
• Algae (film on glass, plants)
• Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, carrots)
• Fish flakes, shrimp pellets
• Dead plant matter
• Calcium supplements (cuttlebone or snail food) to support shell health

Behaviour & Compatibility

• Temperament: Very peaceful
• Tankmates:
• Ideal with shrimp, snails, guppies, tetras, bettas
• Avoid: aggressive fish like loaches, puffers, or cichlids
• Social Needs: Can live alone or in groups

Breeding

• Reproduction: Hermaphroditic (can self-fertilize)
• Egg Laying: Small gelatinous clusters on plants/glass
• Population Control Tips:
• Limit excess food
• Remove eggs if unwanted
• Add predators (carefully) like assassin snails

Care Tips

• Provide calcium for shell integrity
• Regularly clean the tank to avoid overpopulation
• Great cleanup crew, but not a substitute for filtration
• Do not medicate tank with copper — it’s toxic to snails