Ramshorn Snail

Looks how to spot one

Flat coiled shell

A small air-breathing snail with a flat, tightly coiled shell that looks like a ram's horn, held upright as it glides along. The body is dark or reddish, and the shell ranges from light to dark brown in wild snails, with many bred colours in the hobby.132

Personality what they are like

A peaceful, slow grazer that wanders the tank looking for algae and leftovers, often resting near the waterline.2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Very low; it simply needs surfaces to graze.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Easy care. Feed lightly, because snail numbers grow quickly when there is plenty of spare food. Keep a lid on, as they can briefly leave the water.12

Home where they are happiest

Fishkeeping World suggests about 8 litres (2 US gallons) for one snail and up to about 75 litres (20 US gallons) for a group; water about 18-30 °C (64-86 °F), pH 7.0-8.0 and GH 8-18. Harder, mineral-rich water supports the shell.2

Food basics what goes in the bowl

An omnivorous scavenger that eats algae, soft decaying plant matter and leftover food. If algae runs short, add blanched vegetables or a little fish food.12

Company who they like around

Lives happily alone or in groups, and gets along with peaceful fish and shrimp.2

The story where it all began

First described by Wetherby in 1879 from Florida, the species also shows up in the fossil record of the region. It became a staple aquarium snail, where some keepers value it as a cleaner and others find it multiplies too freely.1

Recognised by the official bits

Taxonomy (via Wikipedia)

Planorbella duryi (Wetherby, 1879), family Planorbidae. NatureServe rank G5 (Secure).1