Species Profile
Species Library

Ramshorn Snail

Accuracy: Verified
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This profile has completed research review. Source-backed care information is shown below. Final publication checks are still pending.
Species profile

Ramshorn Snail

Planorbella duryi
Peaceful Easy care 20 L minimum aquarium 1–2 cm adult size Bottom all Can be kept singly

About this species

General notes for hobby use.

Seminole/colour-form ramshorn snail. Prolific when excess food is available.

Water parameters

Suggested general range for long-term care.

Temperature 18–28 °C
pH 6.5–8
GH 6–20 dGH
KH Not yet documented
Flow preference Low
Data confidence Verified

Behaviour

General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.

Minimum group size Can be kept singly
Tank zone Bottom all
Territory level None
Predation risk None
Bioload factor 0.08
Peaceful air-breathing grazer/scavenger. Population size tracks available food; outbreaks usually indicate sustained overfeeding or excess detritus.

Compatibility flags

Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.

Fin nipper No
Plant safe Yes
Shrimp safe Yes
Snail safe Yes
Cave breeder No
Digs substrate No
Jump risk Low

Natural history & care

Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.

Lifespan Not yet documented
Diet type Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume 20 L
Minimum footprint 30 × 20 cm
Accepted scientific name Planorbella duryi
Alternative names Ramshorn Snail, Seminole Ramshorn, Planorbella duryi, Helisoma duryi
Native range
Florida, USA; now widely transported and established through the aquarium trade.
Natural habitat
Freshwater ponds, ditches and slow streams. In aquaria it uses glass, plants and hardscape for grazing and surfaces periodically to breathe air.
Diet & feeding
Primarily algae, biofilm, detritus and decaying plant/animal matter. Healthy plants are usually left alone when adequate food is available.

Breeding & sexing

Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.

Sexing
Hermaphroditic; conventional male/female external sexing does not apply.
Breeding
Simultaneous hermaphrodite. Lays gelatinous egg masses on hard surfaces/plants and can reproduce rapidly in food-rich aquaria.