The Ultimate Guide to Freshwater Aquarium Snails

Aquarium snails are everywhere in aquarist’s live – they inhabit in all types of tanks and sometimes they appear in the places, where it seems to be impossible. Let’s try to make a long story short and gather some information about the kinds described earlier, so then you can choose what’s interesting especially for you.

All kinds of freshwater snails are often considered as something that appears in one night, covers tank plants, gets the tank water muddy and kills tank fishes. Some of this is sometimes true, but still water snails make themselves more useful than do any damage in the tank.

Quite a lot of snails feed on food leftovers and other garbage, some of them clean tank walls and decorations, and some are just good looking species. To avoid any troubles with aquatic snails in a tank you just need to know what stimulates their rapid breeding and define which species won’t do for your tank.

In the current article we’ll go through the most popular kinds of freshwater aquarium snails, but in case you’d like to know more about each of them, just read the articles we’ve already published using the links below.

Types of aquarium snails

Acroloxus snail (Acroloxus sp)

Acroloxus snails can be an interesting addition to a freshwater aquarium. The smallest aquarium snails are acroloxus (acroloxus sp) from Acroloxidae family. If you observe them from a side their shell will look like a small cap. These small snails are rather reticent and prefer to do all their activity in the twilights and in the dark.

So, if the tank owner once turns on the tank lights at night he will be very surprised, because dozens of these snails will be on the tank walls and plants. But don’t get scared, since acroloxus are considered to be harmless.

However, be aware of their population number, since they feed on leftovers and if there are a lot of them, it means that they have enough of feed. This brings another question – maybe you overfeed you fishes? Once you decrease the amount of feed given to your fishes, the number will decrease correspondingly.

Apple snails (Pomacea canaliculata, Pomacea diffusa, Pomacea maculata)

Apple snails are known for their relatively large size compared to other freshwater snails. They can grow up to 6 inches (15 centimeters) in diameter, depending on the species. Since these are one of the largest kinds their appetite corresponds to their size. Therefore, apple snails may damage young and soft tank plants in case the snails have lack of feed. As for the rest – these are good looking, large and interesting.

Apple snails are generally peaceful creatures. They spend most of their time grazing on algae and scavenging for food in the aquarium. They are known to be active during the day and can often be seen exploring the tank or climbing to the water surface to breathe air.

The most common apple snail species kept in aquariums is Pomacea diffusa (formerly known as Pomacea bridgesii), also known as the Mystery snail or spike-topped apple snail. Other popular species include Pomacea canaliculata (Golden apple snail) and Pomacea maculata (island applesnail). However, it’s important to note that some apple snail species, like Pomacea canaliculata, are considered invasive in certain regions and should not be released into the wild.

Last update on 2023-09-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Characteristic	Description
Common Name	Golden apple snail
Scientific Name	Pomacea canaliculata
Size	Large (up to 6 inches or 15 centimeters in diameter)
Shell Shape	Coiled spiral resembling an apple
Shell Color	Yellowish to golden with dark spiral bands
Body Color	Generally grayish or black
Habitat	Freshwater habitats, including lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers
Behavior	Diurnal activity, climbs to the water surface to breathe air
Diet	Omnivorous, feeds on plants, algae, and detritus
Water Parameters	Tolerates a range of water parameters, prefers neutral to slightly alkaline pH
Temperature Range	68°F – 82°F (20°C – 28°C)
Tank Size	Depends on the size of the snail, typically medium to large
Compatibility	Peaceful, compatible with most community fish species
Reproduction	Male and female reproductive organs, lay eggs above the waterline
Lifespan	Varies, typically 1-2 years in the wild, potentially longer in captivity
Conservation Status	Invasive species in many regions, can cause ecological harm and is subject to control measures

Assassin snail (Clea helena)

Assassin snail is one of the most unusual kinds. The thing is that they feed on the other snails. So if you have lots of snails in your tank, this kind of snail is one of the ways to get rid of them. However, if there are no other snails in the tank assassin snail will feed on common types of snails feed.

Assassin snails are primarily nocturnal creatures, being most active during the night. They are known to burrow in the substrate and are skilled predators. They have a unique hunting strategy, targeting and feeding on other snails in the aquarium. Assassin snails are generally peaceful and can coexist with most community fish species. They are not aggressive toward other tank inhabitants unless threatened. However, it’s important to note that they are specialized snail predators, so they may not be suitable for snail-inclusive setups or tanks with snail species you wish to preserve.

Last update on 2023-09-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Characteristic	Description
Common Name	Assassin snail
Scientific Name	Clea helena
Size	Small to medium-sized (around 1 inch or 2.5 centimeters)
Shell Shape	Tapered, conical shell with a pointed apex
Shell Color	Yellowish to brown with dark spiral bands
Body Color	Generally grayish or black
Habitat	Freshwater habitats, including rivers and ponds
Behavior	Nocturnal activity, burrows in substrate, hunts and feeds on other snails
Diet	Carnivorous, primarily feeds on other snails
Water Parameters	Tolerates a range of water parameters, prefers neutral to slightly alkaline pH
Temperature Range	68°F – 82°F (20°C – 28°C)
Tank Size	Small to medium-sized, suitable for most aquarium sizes
Compatibility	Generally peaceful, compatible with most community fish species
Reproduction	Male and female reproductive organs, lay eggs in small clusters
Lifespan	Varies, typically 1-3 years
Conservation Status	Not a conservation concern

Bladder snail (Physella acuta)

Snails from Physidae family can be seen in tanks and the most common ones are Physella acuta. Physella acuta is a species of freshwater snail commonly known as the Bladder snail or Acute bladder snail. These are small but rather fast snails with sinistrality turned shell.

They have quite pronounced raised folds of their pallium which serve as grills and let the bladder snails stay under water for a long time despite the fact that these snails are too active and consume a large amount of oxygen. Fishes may eat these snails in aquarium, but not very eagerly.

Physella acuta has a small, elongated, and cone-shaped shell with a pointed tip. The shell color can vary from translucent to light brown or gray. Adult bladder snails typically reach a size of about 0.5 centimeter (0.2 inches) in length. Bladder snails are generally active and agile swimmers. They are known to have a high reproductive rate, and their populations can rapidly increase under favorable conditions.

Bladder snails are generally peaceful and can coexist with most community fish species. However, they have a high reproductive capacity, and in certain cases, their populations can become excessive. It’s important to monitor their numbers and take appropriate measures if necessary.

Last update on 2023-09-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Characteristic	Description
Common Name	Bladder snail, Acute bladder snail
Scientific Name	Physella acuta
Size	Small, approximately 0.5 centimeter (0.2 inches) in length
Shell Shape	Elongated, cone-shaped with a pointed tip
Shell Color	Translucent to light brown or gray
Body Color	Typically light gray or brownish
Habitat	Freshwater habitats, including lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers
Behavior	Active swimmers, agile movement
Diet	Omnivorous, feeds on algae, detritus, decaying plant matter
Water Parameters	Tolerates a wide range of water parameters, adaptable to both soft and hard water
Temperature Range	65°F – 82°F (18°C – 28°C)
Tank Size	Suitable for most aquarium sizes
Compatibility	Generally peaceful, compatible with most community fish species
Reproduction	Simultaneous hermaphrodites, capable of self-fertilization, lay eggs in gelatinous clusters below the waterline
Lifespan	Varies, typically a few months to a year
Conservation Status	Not a conservation concern

Giant ramshorn snail (Marisa cornuarietis)

Marisa is the largest aquarium snail which can grow to be 7 cm large and more. It’s large and very gluttonous therefore it’s not good for community tanks, since it quite often eats tank plants entirely. Marisa cornuarietis is an active snail that spends most of its time in the water column or grazing on surfaces such as plants, rocks, or glass. They are known for their voracious appetite and constant movement.

Giant ramshorn snails are herbivorous and primarily feed on aquatic vegetation. They will graze on various types of algae, soft-leaved plants, and detritus. However, they may also consume decaying plant matter and occasionally scavenge on other food sources.

Please note that Marisa cornuarietis is banned in some regions due to its potential as an invasive species in certain aquatic environments. Always check local regulations before keeping or introducing any snail species to an ecosystem outside of their natural range.

Characteristic	Description
Common Name	Giant ramshorn snail, Colombian ramshorn snail
Scientific Name	Marisa cornuarietis
Size	Large, up to 2-3 inches (5-7.5 centimeters) in diameter
Shell Shape	Coiled shell
Shell Color	Light brown to dark brown with lighter bands
Body Color	Dark gray or black
Habitat	Freshwater habitats, including lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers
Behavior	Active and constantly moving
Diet	Herbivorous, feeds on aquatic vegetation, algae, soft-leaved plants, and detritus
Water Parameters	Tolerates a wide range of water parameters, pH 6.5-8.0, temperature 70°F-82°F (21°C-28°C)
Tank Size	Suitable for larger aquariums due to their size
Compatibility	Generally peaceful, compatible with many community fish species
Reproduction	Hermaphroditic, capable of self-fertilization, lay clusters of eggs above the waterline or on surfaces near the water
Lifespan	Varies, typically a few years
Conservation Status	Not a conservation concern

Black devil snail (Faunus ater)

Faunus ater, commonly known as the Black devil spike snail or Black helmet snail, is a species of brackish water snail that can be kept in freshwater aquariums. Faunus ater can be an intriguing addition to an aquarium, adding visual interest and assisting with algae control. However, their larger size and potential impact on delicate tank inhabitants should be considered when deciding to keep them in a particular setup.

Faunus ater has a unique and striking appearance. It has a large, conical shell with a black or dark brown coloration. The shell often has ridges and grooves, resembling a black helmet, hence its common name.

Adult Black devil snails can grow up to 2 inches (5 centimeters) in length, making them relatively large compared to other snail species. Faunus ater is generally peaceful and spends most of its time exploring the aquarium and grazing on algae or detritus. They are slow-moving snails and prefer to stay at the bottom of the tank.

Last update on 2023-09-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Characteristic	Description
Common Name	Black devil snail, Black helmet snail
Scientific Name	Faunus ater
Size	Large, up to 2 inches (5 centimeters) in length
Shell Shape	Conical with ridges and grooves
Shell Color	Black or dark brown
Body Color	Black or dark brown (Body is usually not visible due to the shell)
Habitat	Brackish water and freshwater habitats, including lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers
Behavior	Slow-moving, bottom-dwelling
Diet	Omnivorous, primarily feeds on algae, biofilm, decaying plant matter, and uneaten fish food
Water Parameters	Tolerates a wide range of water parameters, prefers neutral to slightly alkaline pH
Temperature Range	68°F – 82°F (20°C – 28°C)
Tank Size	Suitable for most aquarium sizes
Compatibility	Generally peaceful, compatible with most community fish species
Reproduction	Gonochoristic (separate sexes), requires a male and a female for reproduction. Females lay small capsules containing eggs
Lifespan	Varies, typically a few years
Conservation Status	Not a conservation concern

Pagoda Snail (Brotia pagodula)

Brotia pagodula, commonly known as the Pagoda Snail or Tower Snail, is a freshwater snail species that belongs to the family Pachychilidae. The shell of Brotia pagodula is conical in shape, resembling a tower or a pagoda. It has a smooth surface with distinct growth lines and can vary in color from light brown to dark brown or black. The shell’s height can reach up to 2-3 centimeters (0.8-1.2 inches).

Pagoda Snails are detritivores, meaning they primarily feed on decaying organic matter, algae, and biofilm found on various surfaces. They play a crucial role in aquariums by helping to clean up excess waste and maintaining the overall ecological balance. Brotia pagodula is a peaceful and non-aggressive snail species that coexists well with other peaceful aquarium inhabitants.

Last update on 2023-09-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Characteristic	Description
Common Name	Pagoda Snail, Tower Snail
Scientific Name	Brotia pagodula
Family	Pachychilidae
Shell Shape	Conical, resembling a tower or pagoda
Shell Color	Light brown to dark brown or black
Shell Height	Up to 2-3 centimeters (0.8-1.2 inches)
Operculum	Present, covers the shell opening when retracted
Native Region	Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Borneo, Sumatra)
Habitat	Freshwater environments: streams, rivers, swamps, ponds
Preferred Substrate	Sandy or fine substrate
Feeding Behavior	Detritivore, consumes decaying organic matter, algae, biofilm
Compatibility	Peaceful and non-aggressive, suitable for community tanks
Care Requirements	Clean, oxygenated water; avoid copper-based medications
Breeding Method	Sexual reproduction, females release miniature snails

Malaysian Trumpet Snails (Melanoides tuberculata, Melanoides granifera)

Melaniidae family snails, known as MTS snails. Two kinds of them are the most spread in tanks all over the world – Melanoides tuberculata and Melanoides granifera.

MTS are spread just like the ramshorn snails, but they differ from the latter not only in their appearance, but also in their lifestyle. They live and breed in a tank substrate, which is good for the tank since mix the substrate. However, these snails tend to have a large population and they aren’t easy to get rid of, since fishes don’t feed on them greatley and MTS hide in the tank substrate.

Malaysian Trumpet Snails are burrowing snails and spend a significant amount of time buried in the substrate of the aquarium. They extend their long, pointed snout above the substrate surface to feed. They are detritivores and feed on decaying plant matter, uneaten fish food, and organic debris in the aquarium. They also consume microorganisms and algae that form on surfaces.

These snails are well-suited for a variety of aquarium setups. They appreciate a substrate that allows burrowing, such as sand or fine gravel. Providing hiding spots like caves or plants can offer them security and shelter.

Malaysian Trumpet Snails are often sought after for their burrowing behavior and their ability to help maintain a healthy aquarium substrate. However, it’s essential to monitor their population to prevent excessive growth in smaller tanks or if their burrowing activity becomes disruptive.

Last update on 2023-09-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Characteristic	Description
Common Name	Malaysian Trumpet Snail, MTS snail
Scientific Name	Melanoides tuberculata
Size	Small, typically 0.5 (1.2 centimeters) in length
Shell Shape	Conical with distinct spiral ridges
Shell Color	Light brown to dark brown or black
Body Color	Gray or black
Habitat	Freshwater habitats, including lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers
Behavior	Burrowing snails, spend time buried in the substrate and extend their snout above the surface to feed
Diet	Detritivores, feed on decaying plant matter, organic debris, microorganisms, and algae
Water Parameters	Tolerates a wide range of water parameters, pH 7.0-8.0, temperature 72°F-82°F (22°C-28°C)
Tank Size	Suitable for various aquarium sizes
Compatibility	Peaceful and compatible with most community fish species
Reproduction	Live-bearers, give birth to live offspring
Lifespan	Varies, typically a couple of years
Conservation Status	Not a conservation concern

Spixi Snail (Asolene spixi)

It is a species of freshwater snail belonging to the Ampullariidae family. Asolene spixi is commonly known as the Spixi Snail. It is native to South America, specifically Brazil and Argentina. The species is known for its distinctive shell shape and coloration. The shell is conical with a sharp apex and can vary in color from light brown to dark brown or reddish-brown, often with dark spiral bands. Asolene spixi is an active and relatively hardy snail species that is frequently kept in freshwater aquariums.

Asolene spixi is an omnivorous species, and while they primarily feed on plant matter and algae, they have been observed consuming small invertebrates like hydra. The snails use their radula (a specialized feeding organ) to scrape and consume these prey items.

Characteristic	Description
Common Name	Spixi Apple Snail, Spixi Snail
Scientific Name	Asolene spixi
Family	Ampullariidae
Shell Shape	Conical shell with a sharp apex
Shell Color	Light brown to dark brown or reddish-brown, often with dark spiral bands
Native Region	South America: Brazil and Argentina
Habitat	Freshwater environments: ponds, lakes, slow-moving rivers
Size	Can grow up to approximately 5 centimeters (2 inches) in diameter
Behavior	Active and relatively mobile snails
Feeding Behavior	Omnivorous, feed on plant matter, algae, and occasionally small insects
Care Requirements	Requires a well-maintained freshwater aquarium
Water Parameters	Prefer neutral to slightly alkaline water, temperature around 22-28°C (72-82°F)
Compatibility	Generally peaceful, may eat soft aquatic plants
Reproduction	Lay eggs above the waterline, often on the tank walls or aquarium décor
Lifespan	Can live up to a few years under proper care

Nerite snails (Neritina spp.)

Nerite snails is a good looking and very useful. Nerite snails have a unique and ornate shell with various patterns and colors. The shell can be striped, dotted, or have intricate designs. The coloration ranges from black, brown, olive green, to yellowish. The body of the snail is usually small and hidden within the shell.

It’s quite small (about 2,5 cm or 1 in large), these snails perfectly clean the tank from algae. Nerite snails are valued for their algae-eating abilities and their aesthetic appeal in aquariums. They are a popular choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists due to their low maintenance requirements and helpful contribution to maintaining a clean and algae-free tank environment.

These snails are voracious algae eaters and are highly efficient in controlling algae growth in the aquarium. They feed on different types of algae, including green spot algae, diatoms, and soft algae films. However, they may require supplemental feeding if the algae supply becomes scarce.

Nerite snails are relatively small, typically growing to around 0.5 to 1 inch (1.2 to 2.5 centimeters) in length, depending on the species.

The only drawback is their price and short lifespan (about a year) and the fact that they tend to lay the eggs which don’t hatch in freshwater and spoil the tank appearance. Nerite snails advantage is the number of species with different appearance and shape.

Characteristic	Description
Common Name	Nerite snail
Scientific Name	Various species, such as Neritina natalensis, Neritina reclivata, Neritina semiconica, etc.
Size	Small, typically 0.5 to 1 inch (1.2 to 2.5 centimeters) in length
Shell Shape	Varied, with unique patterns and designs
Shell Color	Black, brown, olive green, yellowish
Body Color	Typically hidden within the shell
Habitat	Freshwater habitats, ranging from rivers, streams, and estuaries to brackish or saltwater environments
Behavior	Algae grazers, spend time crawling on surfaces
Diet	Algae eater, feeds on different types of algae, including green spot algae, diatoms, and soft algae films
Water Parameters	Prefer slightly alkaline to slightly acidic water (pH 7.5-8.5), temperature 72°F-78°F (22°C-26°C)
Tank Size	Suitable for various aquarium sizes
Compatibility	Generally peaceful, compatible with most community fish species
Reproduction	Require brackish or saltwater conditions to reproduce; unlikely to breed successfully in freshwater aquariums
Lifespan	Varies, typically a couple of years
Conservation Status	Not a conservation concern

Last update on 2023-09-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

River nerite (Theodoxus fluviatilis)

Theodoxus snails are primarily herbivorous and feed on algae (especially green dust algae, diatoms algae and green spot algae) and plant matter. It’s important to ensure a sufficient food source for them. Theodoxus snails can be kept in aquariums, but it’s important to note that they have specific care requirements and may not be as commonly available as some other aquarium snail species.

As Theodoxus snails may not be as readily available in the aquarium trade, it’s important to consult with experienced hobbyists or specialized aquarium stores to obtain these snails and ensure proper care.

Characteristic	Description
Genus	Theodoxus
Family	Neritidae
Shell Shape	Small and rounded
Shell Color	Varies, often brown, gray, or greenish, with white bands or patterns
Size	Typically 0.5 centimeters (0.2 inches) in diameter
Habitat	Freshwater rivers, streams, lakes, and some species can tolerate brackish water
Behavior	Generally slow-moving, attached to rocks or submerged vegetation
Feeding Behavior	Herbivorous, primarily feed on algae and plant matter
Water Parameters	Clean, well-oxygenated water, neutral to slightly alkaline pH
Tank Size	Suitable for various aquarium sizes
Substrate	Sand or fine gravel
Water Flow	Moderate water flow
Compatibility	Generally peaceful, compatible with compatible fish and invertebrates
Breeding	Sexual reproduction, lay eggs that develop into larvae

Ramshorn snail (Planorbis corneus)

Ramshorn snail’s shell (Planorbarius corneus and Planorbis corneus) from Planorbidae family meets all the childhood stereotypes of how the snail should look like. In general is a classical snail, that can be seen almost in any tank. In the wild feeds mainly on algae and bacterial slime.

Ramshorn snails are often considered both a pest and a beneficial addition to aquariums, depending on their population density and the specific needs of the aquarium ecosystem. Ramshorn snails are primarily herbivores, but they can also consume detritus and decaying organic matter in the aquarium.

Ramshorn snails are typically active during the day and may exhibit both bottom-dwelling and surface-swimming behaviors.

In a tank this slime looks like some gray films on tank walls, plants and on the water surface. When eating these things do good for the tank, but they still they aren’t very thorough cleaners. These snails don’t clean anything completely, they eat out some kind of traces clearly seen on a tank walls. In moderate number are useful in a tank.

Last update on 2023-09-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Characteristic	Description
Common Name	Ramshorn Snail
Scientific Name	Family: Planorbidae
	Genus: Planorbis (common genus) or other species-specific
Shell Shape	Disc-shaped or spiral, resembling a ram’s horn
Shell Color	Varies: brown, red, pink, blue
Size	Varies, typically a few millimeters to a couple of cm
Habitat	Freshwater: ponds, lakes, rivers, and aquariums
Water Parameters	Tolerant of a wide range; prefer slightly alkaline water
Feeding Behavior	Herbivorous, graze on algae and organic matter
Behavior	Active during the day, may exhibit bottom-dwelling and
	surface-swimming behaviors
Care Requirements	Hardy and adaptable, stable water conditions preferred
	Temperature: 20-28°C (68-82°F), pH: 7.0-7.5
Reproduction	Sexual and asexual reproduction possible
	Can lay gelatinous egg masses, capable of rapid growth

Rabbit Snail (Tylomelania spp.)

Tylomelania sp., commonly known as Rabbit Snails, is a genus of freshwater snails that belongs to the family Pachychilidae. The genus Tylomelania includes several species, each with its own distinct characteristics. The size of Tylomelania snails can vary depending on the species, ranging from around 4 to 8 centimeters (1.5 to 3 inches) in length. They are primarily detritivores, feeding on decaying plant matter, algae, and biofilm. They can also consume leftover fish food and other organic debris in the aquarium.

Orange Rabbit Snail – this kind rapidly becomes popular. Despite they are very beautiful, these snails are also very demanding to the tank conditions. They are more likely to be some kind of exotic tank inhabitants that should be kept separately and should be taken care of, then considered as common species.

Last update on 2023-09-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Characteristic	Description
Common Name	Rabbit Snails
Scientific Name	Genus: Tylomelania
Family	Pachychilidae
Shell Shape	Elongated and cone-shaped
Shell Color	Varies: brown, yellow, orange, black, with striped or spotted patterns
Size	Varies, typically 4-8 centimeters (1.5-3 inches) in length
Habitat	Freshwater: endemic to Sulawesi, Indonesia
Water Parameters	Prefer slightly alkaline to neutral water, moderate to high hardness
Feeding Behavior	Detritivores, feed on decaying plant matter, algae, and biofilm
Behavior	Peaceful and slow-moving
Care Requirements	Stable water parameters, slightly alkaline to neutral pH, moderate hardness
Preferred Substrate	Sand and fine gravel for burrowing and sifting through
Compatibility	Generally peaceful, but interactions may vary with other tank mates
Breeding Method	Sexual reproduction, eggs laid in substrate or attached to surfaces
	Juveniles hatch from eggs after a gestation period

The role of snails in a tank

The most common way of how snails get into the tank is together with the tank plants you have bought or with the tank substrate you haven’t cleaned before putting into the tank.

As a rule eggs is stuck to the tank plant leaves and after putting them inside the tank you get the juveniles in your aquarium later. If you’ll control the number of population, there’s no need to do anything about their presence in the tank.

The thing is that besides the scenic value snails also do a lot to clean the tank. Actually, snails are natural cleaners which clean the plants from algae, feed on dead parts of plants leaves and tank fish feed leftovers.

So, more often we see the following kinds in aquarium.

Conclusion

Almost all kinds of aquarium snails are well behaved tank inhabitants, only some of them require some special conditions that don’t fit community tank conditions. They become a problem only in case when something is wrong in the tank and still it’s not a problem it’s just a signal.

We’ve mentioned above the most common kinds and in other articles the species were described in more details. So, please, read, speculate and choose which of them suits you best.