Types of Freshwater Snails: Fun Facts You Should Know Before Having Them as Pets

Some of the best types to consider when looking for freshwater snail pets include apple snails, rabbit snails, devil spike snails, Japanese trapdoor snails, ramshorn snails, assassin snails, Malaysian trumpet snails, and pond snails, among others.

Choosing a suitable snail for your aquarium is crucial. Freshwater snails have different requirements regarding water quality and tank size. They also provide food for fish and other aquatic creatures. 

Types of Freshwater Aquarium Snails

There are three main types of freshwater snails – the Platyhelminthes, Gastropoda, and Arionidae. Different snails make great food for fish or other aquatic creatures in your aquarium. 

So, if you’re pondering what snail to add to your tank, do your research and consider the needs of the snail you’re selecting and the fish or other aquatic creatures you have in mind.

Apple Snails – Ampullariidae

Apple snails make great aquarium pets and are a pelagic species, meaning they swim in the open water and can reach up to 3 inches in length. 

These snails eat algae and other plant matter, so they are perfect for aquarists with plants that need snail food. Apple snails are naturally shy and need plenty of hiding spaces in their aquariums to avoid being eaten by predators or other fish.

Rabbit Snails – Tylomelania

Rabbit snails are unique aquarium snails that make for great companions. They are non-toxic and easy to feed, making them a great addition to any fish tank. Tylomelania is the type of snail typically found in freshwater environments, which makes it the perfect choice for aquarists looking for an aquarium snail species.

Devil Spike Snails (Faunus ater)

Devil Spike Snails (Faunus later) is fast and efficient at eating food. These snails come in different colors, are active when swimming around, and can even swim upside down. Plus, they come with venom, paralyzing their prey before devouring them alive – making them one of the most dangerous snails! 

However, ensure you get the correct type of snail for your aquarium, as some species can be poisonous. And last but not least, always supervise your pets while they’re handling these snails, as their venom may cause minor injuries.

Japanese Trapdoor Snails (Viviparus malleatus)

Japanese Trapdoor snails are great for beginners as they are very forgiving regarding water quality and temperature. These snails eat algae and other small particles, which keeps your tank clean and healthy. Moreover, you can get rid of them if you don’t want them in your tank – they secrete a toxic slime to fish and other invertebrates.

Ramshorn Snails (Planorbarius corneus)

These snails are great for beginners as they are hardy and easy to keep. They eat algae and detritus, making them a good choice for an aquarium with a plant-based diet. They come in various colors and patterns, making them attractive additions to any aquarium.

Assassin Snails (Clea helena- previously Anentome helena)

Assassin snails are undoubtedly one of the more exciting aquarium species out there. They are quick breeders and can be a bit of a nuisance if you do not have enough tank space – make sure to get advice from a pet store before adding them to your aquarium! 

Aside from that, these snails are excellent scavengers and make for entertaining viewing. They should be kept with fish species that eat algae or plant matter as they will help feed them. Finally, Assassin Snails live in freshwater environments but can tolerate salt water well – so long as it is not too high in chloride.

Malaysian Trumpet Snails (Melanoides tuberculata)

Malaysian trumpet snails are the perfect choice for a beginner snail aquarium. They are hardy and active, come in different colors and patterns, produce large amounts of mucus used to protect themselves from predators and parasites, and can be fed a variety of food items, including flakes, pellets, and live foods.

Pond Snails (Lymnaeidae) and Bladder Snails (Physella acuta)

Pond snails and bladder snails are two of the most common types of aquarium snails and can be kept with fish and other invertebrates; however, they should be kept separate from each other to avoid conflicts. 

Bladder snails may be more colorful than pond snails, but they have weaker shells and can die faster in captivity. Pond snails are easier to care for as they do not require a special diet.

Zebra Nerite Snails (Vitta zebra)

Zebra nerite snails come in different colors and patterns, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking for variety in their tank. These snails consume detritus, making them an essential part of a healthy aquarium ecosystem. They can reach up to 1 inch in size and are the perfect addition to any aquarium as they are hardy and easy to keep.

Mystery Snails (Pomacea bridgesii)

Mystery snails are native to the Americas and come in various colors, making them great aquarium inhabitants. They can also be quite hardy, tolerating water temperatures from 68 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Make sure you buy mystery snails from an accredited dealer as they can only be bought this way – otherwise, you will likely get sick or even dead snails. Once you have your snail(s), giving them food and water regularly and providing an algae-rich substrate is essential. Keep in mind that these snails make noise when they’re active, so keep your tank quiet at all times!

Handling Snails

Snail Care

Apple snails eat fruits and vegetables, while garden snails are omnivorous and will eat both plants and animals. Provide a moist environment with plenty of food and water, clean up any messes your snail make, and be patient – they’ll get used to their new home soon! 

Breeding Snails

Properly caring for your snail population will ensure a healthy population that reaches its full potential. Snails are also great food sources for some fish and amphibians. Breeding freshwater snails is an easy way to increase your population size.

Snail Tank Mates

Freshwater snail tank mates are essential for a healthy aquarium. Not only do they secrete a sticky substance that helps to anchor the snail in place, but they can provide food and shelter. 

The best snail tank mates for aquariums can vary depending on the aquarium’s environment and fish species. For example, when choosing snail tank mates, it’s important to research which type of snail tank mate would be best for your aquarium. 

Other types of snail tank mates can be added to an aquarium, such as clams, coral polyps, and anemones.

Caution With Snails

Keep your snails’ habitat clean and free of any debris. This will help them avoid getting lost or overwhelmed. Additionally, do not feed snails anything other than fresh vegetables – this will ensure they’re healthy and safe to keep around your home. Finally, purchase live snails from a qualified source to avoid future issues.