Hello, my curious aquarium enthusiasts,

Are you looking to add extra elegance to your dull and lifeless aquarium? Sometimes, small creatures can bring about significant change, just as a tiny spark can ignite a blazing fire. Ramshorn snails are some of the best creatures to bring beautiful shades to your aquarium. Their uniquely shaped form resembles the spiral structure of a ram’s horns.

These creatures offer great diversity in shape, adaptability to various conditions, and diet.

This article covers all aspects of caring for Ramshorn snails, from their ideal tank size and water conditions to their feeding habits and breeding behaviour.

So, let’s delve into the complete care guide and exciting facts about Ramshorn snails.

Specie Overview

The Ramshorn snail belongs to the genus Helisoma within the family Planorbidae. These freshwater snails have lungs instead of gills, enabling them to breathe air. Their ability to breathe air sets them apart from other species of aquatic snails. 

Natural Habitat and Distribution

The natural habitat of ramshorn snails includes freshwater bodies such as lakes, ponds, and marshes. They are typically found in slow-moving, weedy waters in areas with a moderate climate. Ramshorn snails often live near the water’s surface, where they thrive in algae-rich regions, feed on algae, and decompose organic matter. While these snails are widely distributed around the world, they are native to North America, with habitats ranging from Alaska to Florida and as far north as the Arctic regions of Canada. Planorbarius corneus and Planorbella duryi within the ramshorn snail family are the most suitable aquarium species.

Behavior and Activity Patterns

• Ramshorn snails are very slow-moving organisms. They are mostly active during the nighttime. They secrete slimy mucus to crawl up smooth surfaces. They avoid direct sunlight and prefer to rest in the shade of plants, rocks, and aquarium surfaces. Their round shells help protect them against predators.
• Ramshorn snails love to live in solitude rather than in groups. An exciting feature of these snails is that they are hermaphrodites equipped with both male and female reproductive organs. This distinctive characteristic enables them to reproduce with any snail without differentiating between male and female.

Size

Have you ever wondered how big ramshorn snails can get? The size of ramshorn snails depends on their species and environmental conditions. They can grow in both length and width as their round shells expand. Most species of ramshorn snails grow to about 1 to 2 cm in size. However, some larger species, such as Planorbarius corneus, may reach up to 3 cm under favorable conditions and are known as giant ramshorn snails. The spiral shell diameter of an adult snail typically ranges from ⅛ inch to ¾ inch.

Lifespan

• The lifespan of a ramshorn snail depends on proper care, species, and environment. These snails can live up to 1–2 years in their natural habitat. However, their lifespan may extend to 3 years if they are provided with suitable conditions and food. They reach adulthood in just 4–6 weeks. When kept in aquariums, their life expectancy often increases due to improved care. Key factors contributing to a longer life for aquarium snails include clean water, optimal temperature, and adequate nutrients.
• Regular maintenance is necessary to maintain a balanced environment in the aquarium. This balance helps the snails live longer. If the water in the aquarium is not adequately cleaned, various diseases can affect these tiny snails, such as parasitic infections, shell erosion, and fungal infections.

Reproduction

• Ramshorn snails reproduce rapidly in their natural habitats as well as in aquariums. They can lay eggs within days under suitable water conditions and with ample nutrients. Ramshorn eggs are usually found on leaves, aquarium glass, and decorations. The eggs appear as clusters of clear, round cells containing a large number of embryos. Baby snails can be seen during their development stages inside these transparent eggs.
• Most snails reproduce sexually; however, some freshwater snails can reproduce asexually. Being hermaphroditic, ramshorn snails can mate without differentiating between males and females. For this reason, they can grow in large numbers within a short period if enough food is available. However, they cannot self-fertilize. Certain foods like spinach, lettuce leaves, and zucchini can increase their reproduction rate. Foods high in potassium and protein content are also helpful in boosting their reproduction rate.

Water Conditions and pH Range

• The quality of water in an aquarium greatly affects the health of your ramshorn snail. Although these aquarium snails can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, moderate temperatures are best for their proper growth. The most suitable water temperature range is 18 to 28 degrees Celsius (64 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit). In this range, they are more active and energetic. Sudden fluctuations in temperature can disturb these snails.
• The pH level is also an essential factor in their growth. A marginally alkaline pH between 7.0 and 8.0 is ideal for them. Calcium dissolved in the water strengthens their shells.
• The aquarium water should be changed every two weeks to flush out harmful nitrates. High concentrations of ammonia or nitrates adversely affect the health of ramshorn snails.

Tank Mates

• Due to their peaceful nature, Ramshorn snails can coexist with other fish in an aquarium. Smaller fish that cannot harm the aquarium snails are the ideal choice. Food preferences are also a consideration when choosing tank mates for these snails. The food for the tank mates should be common among all the members to ensure easy adjustment.
• The most common tank mates are Otocinclus Catfish and Cory Catfish. However, other fish can also be suitable, such as different types of dwarf shrimps: Bamboo Shrimp, Amano Shrimp, Ghost Shrimp, Red Cherry Shrimp, Vampire Shrimp, as well as White Clouds, smaller Rasboras, or Tetras.

Advantages of Keeping Ram’s Horn Snails

Disadvantages of Keeping the Ramshorn Snail

FAQ’s