Ramshorn Snail

Ramshorn Snail

Planorbella duryi

Family: Planorbidae • Origin: Various

Ramshorn Snail (Planorbella duryi) is a peaceful snail reaching 1 inches. Can be kept singly. Minimum tank size: 5 gallons.

Min Tank
5 gal
Max Size
1"
Temperature
65-82°F
pH
7-8
Lifespan
2 years
School Size
Solo OK
Swim Level
bottom
Hardness
5-15 dGH
peacefulbeginnerherbivore

Is Ramshorn Snail Right for Your Tank?

Ramshorn Snail is an excellent choice for beginners — rated "beginner" difficulty (1/5). They're hardy, forgiving of minor water parameter fluctuations, and generally easy to feed. At just 5 gallons minimum, they work well in nano tanks and smaller setups.

With a peaceful temperament, Ramshorn Snail makes a great community fish. They coexist well with other non-aggressive species of similar size. Expected lifespan: 2 years with proper care.

Common Mistakes with Ramshorn Snail

Relying on a heater without a thermometer

Ramshorn Snail needs 6582°F. Heaters malfunction or drift over time — always use a separate thermometer to verify. Temperature swings of even 3–4°F can trigger stress and disease, particularly ich.

Putting them in a tank under 5 gallons

While 5 gallons is the minimum, nano tanks require more frequent water changes and leave less room for error. A slightly larger tank (8 gal) is much more forgiving.

Skipping the quarantine period

Even healthy-looking fish can carry parasites or disease. Quarantine new Ramshorn Snail for 2–4 weeks in a separate tank before adding to your main aquarium.

Care Tips

  • Max size: 1 inches
  • Temperature: 65-82°F
  • pH: 7-8
  • Can be kept alone or in pairs
  • peaceful temperament — safe with community fish

Feeding: Standard herbivore diet. Accepts foods appropriate for Planorbidae species.

Compatibility Notes: Typical peaceful Planorbidae species.

Tank Setup & Water Parameters

Tank Requirements

Minimum Tank Size
5 gallons
Recommended Tank Size
8 gallons
Swimming Level
bottom

Water Parameters

Temperature
6582°F
pH Range
78
Hardness (dGH)
515
Water Type
freshwater

Behavior & Temperament

Temperament
peaceful
Aggression Level
1/5
Schooling
No
Territorial
No
Fin Nipper
No
Predatory
No
Diet Type
herbivore
Growth Rate
moderate

Typical peaceful Planorbidae species.

Breeding

Breeding Type
egg layer
Breeding Difficulty
moderate
Lifespan
2 years

Ideal For

5 gallon

Compatible Tank Mates

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