Ramshorn Snails

Ramshorn Snails (Planorbidae) are a charming and efficient addition to freshwater aquariums, known for their beautifully coiled shells and peaceful behavior. These small, eye-catching invertebrates are easy to care for and come in a variety of striking colors, including red, blue, and leopard patterns, making them both practical and ornamental tank mates.

Beyond their unique appearance, Ramshorn Snails are excellent algae eaters and natural tank cleaners. They help control biofilm, consume uneaten food, and break down decaying plant matter, contributing to a healthier and cleaner aquatic environment. Their constant grazing helps reduce maintenance and improve overall water quality.

Caring for Ramshorn Snails is simple, making them a great choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists. They thrive in clean, cycled aquariums with stable water parameters, and they’re compatible with most peaceful fish and invertebrates. These snails are also prolific breeders under the right conditions, offering a self-sustaining cleanup crew over time. They’ll feed on algae, soft vegetables, and leftover fish food, making them low-maintenance yet highly effective.

At Splashy Fish, our Ramshorn Snails are tank-breed, grown, and sold with love and care. Visit our fish store online or aquarium Virginia for more high-quality freshwater shrimp and freshwater fish for sale. We have a lot more fish available for sale such as betta fish for sale, aquatic shrimp for sale, aquatic plants for sale, and other aquarium supplies.

Ramshorn Snails Frequently Asked Questions FAQs

Can ramshorn snails reproduce asexually?

Ramshorn snails cannot reproduce asexually, but they are hermaphrodites, meaning each snail has both male and female reproductive organs. However, they still require another snail to mate and fertilize eggs. After mating, either snail can lay clusters of gelatinous eggs on surfaces in the tank. While it may seem like a single snail can reproduce on its own, this is usually because it has already mated before being introduced to the aquarium and can store sperm for future use.

Can ramshorn snails live out of water?

Ramshorn snails are aquatic creatures and cannot live out of water for extended periods. While they may survive briefly in moist environments, they require full submersion in freshwater to breathe, feed, and thrive. Without consistent access to water, their bodies can quickly dry out, leading to stress or death. For optimal health, Ramshorn snails should always be kept in a fully cycled aquarium with stable water conditions, making them unsuitable for dry or semi-aquatic setups.

How many ramshorn snails per gallon?

A general rule of thumb is to keep 1 to 2 Ramshorn snails per 5 gallons of water to maintain a balanced ecosystem. While they are small and produce minimal waste individually, they can reproduce quickly under ideal conditions, leading to overpopulation if not monitored. In well-maintained tanks with good filtration and minimal leftover food, you can safely keep a few more, but it’s best to start small and adjust based on tank size, bio-load, and algae levels.