Catalog / invertebrates / Great ramshorn snail

invertebrate · Planorbidae

Great ramshorn snail

Planorbarius corneus

Wild range: Southeast and Great Lakes regions (North America)

Great ramshorn snail (Planorbarius corneus)
Photo via Great Ramshorn Snail | NatureSpot · original

At a glance: Great ramshorn snail care

Compiled reference information. Review the care notes and original sources below.

What temperature is listed for Great ramshorn snail?

The compiled profile lists 5.0–26.0 °C for Great ramshorn snail (Planorbarius corneus). Check the original sources below for context and differing recommendations.

What tank size is listed for Great ramshorn snail?

The profile lists a minimum tank volume of 2.6 US gallons (10.0 liters). Volume alone does not establish suitability; consider dimensions, group size and other inhabitants alongside the full care notes.

What pH is listed for Great ramshorn snail?

The compiled profile lists a pH of 6.5–8.0. Review the cited care sources alongside the other water parameters in this profile.

Natural habitat

Ramshorn snails thrive in warm, vegetated waters rich in organic matter, often found in slow-moving rivers, ponds, and marshes. Their preference for such environments parallels the conditions created in many home aquariums, enabling their survival and growth.

Where they are found

Commonly found in many parts of England, the species is particularly noted in Leicestershire and Rutland, with fewer records from Wales and Scotland.

Aquarium care

Ensure stable water parameters with particular focus on hardness and alkalinity to maintain shell clarity. Regular feeding of algae, biofilm, and occasional supplementation with blanched vegetables or calcium sources is recommended.

Feeding

These snails are opportunistic omnivores, consuming algae, detritus, and uneaten food. It is important to supplement their diet 2-3 times a week with blanched vegetables and calcium-rich foods, such as algae wafers and cuttlebone, to promote strong shell growth.

Compatibility

Peaceful and compatible with various species including Neocaridina and Caridina shrimp, Blue Ramshorns can coexist with small community fish but should be avoided alongside known snail predators.

Breeding

Breeding can be achieved in captivity, with snails laying eggs in a protective mass of jelly on plants or other underwater structures. Conditions such as stable water parameters must be maintained for egg viability.

Sources

Compiled from multiple independent care sheets — not copied from a single site.