Great Ramshorn Snail

Environment

A cold to temperate water species, it tolerates a wide range of temperatures and appreciates moderately hard water to maintain its shell. A neutral to slightly alkaline pH prevents calcium erosion. It thrives in planted aquariums rich in plant debris.

Feeding

It feeds on dead leaves, leftover food, algae, and biofilm. It can be supplemented with blanched vegetables and sinking pellets. It generally respects healthy plants and only attacks already degraded tissue.

Health & common diseases

The great ramshorn snail is hardy but can suffer from calcium deficiency, resulting in a fragile, discolored, or pitted shell. Water that is too soft (insufficient KH/GH) promotes these problems; maintaining proper hardness and providing a calcium-rich diet (vegetables, specific tablets) is essential. Sensitive to heavy metals and copper (present in some anti-parasitic treatments), which can be fatal. Also watch for difficult molting or prolonged lack of movement, signs of stress or unsuitable water.

Tips & tankmates

Hermaphroditic, it can reproduce rapidly if food is abundant, forming translucent gelatinous egg masses on surfaces. To limit its population, reduce overfeeding rather than using chemicals. Avoid any copper-based treatment, which is fatal to it.

Sources