Ramshorn Snail
Planorbella duryi
Minimum Tank
5 Gallons
Adult Size
1 inches
Temperature
70-80°F (21-27°C)
pH Range
7.0-8.0
Lifespan
2 years
About Ramshorn Snail
Ramshorn snails are small, flat-coiled freshwater snails found worldwide, named for their distinctive shell shape that resembles a ram's curled horn. They come in a range of colors including red, pink, blue, and brown. Ramshorn snails are simultaneous hermaphrodites, meaning each individual possesses both male and female reproductive organs, and can reproduce rapidly under favorable conditions. They are primarily detritivores, feeding on algae, decaying plant matter, and leftover fish food. While some keepers consider them pests that arrived uninvited on plants, others deliberately cultivate colonies for their cleanup abilities and as supplemental food for pufferfish and assassin snails. Their flat, spiral shells and efficient scavenging behavior make them a useful, if sometimes overabundant, part of the aquarium cleanup crew.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 5-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 70-80°F (21-27°C)
- • pH: 7.0 - 8.0
- • Category: Snail
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Ramshorn snails are extremely hardy and will thrive in almost any aquarium conditions from 65-80°F. They reproduce rapidly when food is abundant, so control populations by reducing feeding and removing excess snails regularly. If overfeeding stops, populations naturally stabilize. They prefer neutral to alkaline water with adequate calcium for shell development. Feed primarily on algae and detritus, supplemented with blanched vegetables and algae wafers if needed. Ramshorn snails are harmless to healthy plants but will consume dying or dead leaves. They are sensitive to copper-based medications. If you want to keep specific color varieties pure, house them separately, as mixed colonies produce random color offspring.
Quick Facts
19L
Min Tank (5gal)
3cm
Adult Size (1")
2yr
Lifespan
1+
Can Keep Solo
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Ramshorn Snail
Related Species You Might Like
Nerite Snail
Neritina sp.
Mystery Snail
Pomacea bridgesii
Assassin Snail
Clea helena
Malaysian Trumpet Snail
Melanoides tuberculata
Rabbit Snail
Tylomelania sp.
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
Tank Mates for Ramshorn Snail
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Blue Velvet Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi var.
easy · 5+ gal
Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
easy · 5+ gal
Least Killifish
Heterandria formosa
easy · 5+ gal
Clown Killifish
Epiplatys annulatus
moderate · 5+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other easy-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Ramshorn Snail need?
A Ramshorn Snail needs a minimum tank size of 5 gallons (19 litres).
What water parameters does a Ramshorn Snail need?
Ramshorn Snail thrive in water between 70-80°F (21-27°C) with a pH of 7.0-8.0.
Are Ramshorn Snail easy to care for?
Ramshorn Snail are considered easy to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 2 years.
How big do Ramshorn Snail get and what do they eat?
Ramshorn Snail reach about 1 inch and are omnivores. Ramshorn snails are extremely hardy and will thrive in almost any aquarium conditions from 65-80°F. They reproduce rapidly when food is abundant, so control populations by reducing feeding and removing excess snails regularly. If overfeeding stops, populations naturally stabilize. They prefer neutral to alkaline water with adequate calcium for shell development. Feed primarily on algae and detritus, supplemented with blanched vegetables and algae wafers if needed. Ramshorn snails are harmless to healthy plants but will consume dying or dead leaves. They are sensitive to copper-based medications. If you want to keep specific color varieties pure, house them separately, as mixed colonies produce random color offspring.