Ramshorn Snail
Planorbella duryi
Also known as: Ram's horn snail, Planorbella, Planorbid snail
Quick Facts
- Adult size: 2.5 cm (1 inches)
- Minimum tank size: 19 litres (5 gallons)
- Lifespan: 1–2 years
- Temperament: peaceful
- Swimming level: all-levels
- Diet: omnivore
- Minimum group size: 1
- Difficulty: beginner
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 18–28°C
- pH: 7–8
- Hardness (GH): 89–322 ppm (5–18 dGH)
Values above are general hardness (GH). For carbonate hardness (KH), the buffer that keeps pH stable, see the water parameters guide.
Care Summary
Among the most common freshwater snails, available in striking colour morphs (red ramshorn, blue ramshorn, leopard ramshorn) that have made them increasingly popular as deliberate purchases rather than incidental hitchhikers. The flat coiled shell shape is distinctive, like a ram's curled horn, hence the name. Hardy across a very wide range of conditions, including cooler unheated tanks. Hermaphroditic and prolific breeders: a single snail can establish a colony. The population grows to match available food, so reducing feeding is the only practical population control short of physical removal or predator introduction. Worth knowing: ramshorn populations are usually a signal of overfeeding, not a separate problem to solve. They are adaptable, but the shell still needs carbonate: in soft, acidic water with a low carbonate hardness (KH) it thins and pits, so keep some KH and calcium in the water.
Tankmates
Frequently arrive in tanks as hitchhikers on aquarium plants, where they're often labelled 'pest snails.' This reputation is partly deserved (they breed readily and can build large populations) and partly unfair (they don't harm plants, fish, or shrimp, and they're excellent algae and detritus cleaners). Compatible with all peaceful community species. Easily controlled by limiting feeding: ramshorn populations are directly proportional to available food. Will be hunted by assassin snails and loaches.
Compatible with
- Betta
- Neon Tetra
- Guppy
- Platy
- Harlequin Rasbora
- Bronze Corydoras
- Cherry Shrimp
- Amano Shrimp
- Bristlenose Pleco
Avoid keeping with
- Assassin Snail
- Pufferfish
- Loaches
- Large Cichlids
- Electric Yellow Cichlid
Common Problems
- population explosions from overfeeding
- shell erosion in very soft or acidic water
- occasional plant damage from large colonies on stressed plants
- predation by assassin snails and many loach species
Sources: seriouslyfish.com, fishbase.org · Last updated: 2026-06-18