Freshwater
Snail
More details
Ramshorn Snail (Planorbidae sp.)
Free
Free
Description
Ramshorn snails are hardy, circular-shelled freshwater snails valued for algae cleaning, detritus control, and their visual charm. They reproduce quickly and play an important role in low-maintenance and naturalistic tanks.
Difficulty Level
Beginner Friendly
Region
Ramshorn Snail (Planorbidae sp.)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Extremely hardy and self-sustaining; suitable for most freshwater tanks.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Often introduced accidentally; can become invasive in wild ecosystems if released or overpopulate tanks.
Origin
Ramshorn snails are a diverse group found in freshwater habitats around the globe, with many species originating from North and South America. While some color morphs (like blue or pink) are bred in captivity, most wild types are widespread in rivers, ponds, and streams.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Their spiral shell, resembling a ram’s horn, comes in colors like brown, red, pink, and blue. They glide slowly over glass, plants, and substrate, constantly scavenging for algae, leftover food, and decaying matter—providing a soothing, low-effort presence.
Purpose
Ramshorns serve as a cleanup crew, controlling biofilm and soft algae while breaking down uneaten food. They’re particularly useful in breeding or shrimp tanks where waste management and gentle foraging are important.
Importance
Essential for nutrient recycling in nano to mid-sized tanks. Great for teaching ecosystem balance and low-impact stocking. Some aquarists also use them as live food for pufferfish or loaches, supporting natural predatory behaviors.
Included Resources
No special gear needed. Thrive in standard freshwater setups with live plants, mild flow, and gentle filtration. Avoid copper-based meds. Multiply rapidly in nutrient-rich tanks, especially with high food availability.
Best Use Cases
Ideal for planted tanks, shrimp colonies, breeder tanks, or aquariums with picky feeders. Also used in live food cultures for pufferfish. Best in tanks where a mild cleanup crew is helpful and algae presence is moderate.
Conservation Context
Though not threatened globally, some species can disrupt native ecosystems if released. Their high reproductive rate and adaptability make them invasive in outdoor ponds and wild waterways.
Compatible Species
Peaceful with nearly all nano and community species, especially tetras, rasboras, guppies, shrimp, and Corydoras. Avoid housing with snail-eaters like loaches, puffers, or assassin snails unless used as feeder stock.
Region (A) – Amazon Basin, South America
• Latitude: -4.6° (South)
• Longitude: -74.1° (West)
Region (B) – Southeastern United States
• Latitude: 30.0° (North)
• Longitude: -84.0° (West)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Ramshorn Snail (Planorbidae sp.)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Extremely hardy and self-sustaining; suitable for most freshwater tanks.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Often introduced accidentally; can become invasive in wild ecosystems if released or overpopulate tanks.
Origin
Ramshorn snails are a diverse group found in freshwater habitats around the globe, with many species originating from North and South America. While some color morphs (like blue or pink) are bred in captivity, most wild types are widespread in rivers, ponds, and streams.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Their spiral shell, resembling a ram’s horn, comes in colors like brown, red, pink, and blue. They glide slowly over glass, plants, and substrate, constantly scavenging for algae, leftover food, and decaying matter—providing a soothing, low-effort presence.
Purpose
Ramshorns serve as a cleanup crew, controlling biofilm and soft algae while breaking down uneaten food. They’re particularly useful in breeding or shrimp tanks where waste management and gentle foraging are important.
Importance
Essential for nutrient recycling in nano to mid-sized tanks. Great for teaching ecosystem balance and low-impact stocking. Some aquarists also use them as live food for pufferfish or loaches, supporting natural predatory behaviors.
Included Resources
No special gear needed. Thrive in standard freshwater setups with live plants, mild flow, and gentle filtration. Avoid copper-based meds. Multiply rapidly in nutrient-rich tanks, especially with high food availability.
Best Use Cases
Ideal for planted tanks, shrimp colonies, breeder tanks, or aquariums with picky feeders. Also used in live food cultures for pufferfish. Best in tanks where a mild cleanup crew is helpful and algae presence is moderate.
Conservation Context
Though not threatened globally, some species can disrupt native ecosystems if released. Their high reproductive rate and adaptability make them invasive in outdoor ponds and wild waterways.
Compatible Species
Peaceful with nearly all nano and community species, especially tetras, rasboras, guppies, shrimp, and Corydoras. Avoid housing with snail-eaters like loaches, puffers, or assassin snails unless used as feeder stock.
Region (A) – Amazon Basin, South America
• Latitude: -4.6° (South)
• Longitude: -74.1° (West)
Region (B) – Southeastern United States
• Latitude: 30.0° (North)
• Longitude: -84.0° (West)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Ramshorn Snail (Planorbidae sp.)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Extremely hardy and self-sustaining; suitable for most freshwater tanks.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Often introduced accidentally; can become invasive in wild ecosystems if released or overpopulate tanks.
Origin
Ramshorn snails are a diverse group found in freshwater habitats around the globe, with many species originating from North and South America. While some color morphs (like blue or pink) are bred in captivity, most wild types are widespread in rivers, ponds, and streams.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Their spiral shell, resembling a ram’s horn, comes in colors like brown, red, pink, and blue. They glide slowly over glass, plants, and substrate, constantly scavenging for algae, leftover food, and decaying matter—providing a soothing, low-effort presence.
Purpose
Ramshorns serve as a cleanup crew, controlling biofilm and soft algae while breaking down uneaten food. They’re particularly useful in breeding or shrimp tanks where waste management and gentle foraging are important.
Importance
Essential for nutrient recycling in nano to mid-sized tanks. Great for teaching ecosystem balance and low-impact stocking. Some aquarists also use them as live food for pufferfish or loaches, supporting natural predatory behaviors.
Included Resources
No special gear needed. Thrive in standard freshwater setups with live plants, mild flow, and gentle filtration. Avoid copper-based meds. Multiply rapidly in nutrient-rich tanks, especially with high food availability.
Best Use Cases
Ideal for planted tanks, shrimp colonies, breeder tanks, or aquariums with picky feeders. Also used in live food cultures for pufferfish. Best in tanks where a mild cleanup crew is helpful and algae presence is moderate.
Conservation Context
Though not threatened globally, some species can disrupt native ecosystems if released. Their high reproductive rate and adaptability make them invasive in outdoor ponds and wild waterways.
Compatible Species
Peaceful with nearly all nano and community species, especially tetras, rasboras, guppies, shrimp, and Corydoras. Avoid housing with snail-eaters like loaches, puffers, or assassin snails unless used as feeder stock.
Region (A) – Amazon Basin, South America
• Latitude: -4.6° (South)
• Longitude: -74.1° (West)
Region (B) – Southeastern United States
• Latitude: 30.0° (North)
• Longitude: -84.0° (West)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Ramshorn Snail (Planorbidae sp.)
Region
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