Overview of Freshwater Aquarium Snails

Overview of Freshwater Aquarium Snails

Many fish keepers enjoy adding aquarium snails to their tanks.  There are many types of aquarium snails to consider.  The first thing you need to know is whether you have fish that will eat your snails, or if the snails will be safe in your aquarium.  If you deem your aquarium safe for freshwater snails, consider the following varieties.

Freshwater Aquarium Snails – Ramshorn Snails

Ramshorn aquarium snails are so called because of the flat, spiral shape of their shells.  These freshwater aquarium snails come in black, red, and spotted varieties.  They reproduce fairly quickly.  This aquarium snail prefers to eat plant life and algae in your freshwater fish tank.

Freshwater Aquarium Snails – Apple Snails

Apple snails are one of the most popular freshwater aquarium snails.  They come in yellow and black color types.  These freshwater snails also eat plant food and will help keep algae growth down in your fish tank.  Apple snails are very large varieties that can reach up to two inches in diameter.

Freshwater Aquarium Snails – Pond Snails

Pond snails are often called by other names in the aquarium store.  They have elongated shells and reproduce rapidly.  They often hitchhike into your aquarium on plants purchased from pet stores.  These freshwater aquarium snails can eat all plant life in an aquarium.

Freshwater Aquarium Snails – Trumpet Snails

Trumpet snails are freshwater aquarium snails that are truly beneficial to the aquarium.  They eat fish food and debris that falls to the bottom of the tank, and also eats algae.  Trumpet snails are nocturnal and usually hide during the day or when the aquarium lights are on.

Why Add Freshwater Aquarium Snails to Your Fish Tank?

Freshwater aquarium snails do a variety of things in your fish tank.  First, they add interest to an aquarium otherwise populated by fish.  Freshwater snail shells can be very attractive.

There is also a practical benefit to keeping freshwater aquarium snails.  Many eat algae or excessive fish food in the tank.  This debris can otherwise cause health issues if left on the substrate.

Fish that Eat Freshwater Aquarium Snails

Several fish are notorious freshwater aquarium snail enemies.  These fish can be helpful if your snail reproduces too rapidly, a common complaint of aquarium keepers.  However, too many of these fish will decimate the aquarium snail population.

The fish include: loaches, catfish, puffers, goldfish, bettas, and barbs.

Adding freshwater aquarium snails to your fish tank can add extra interest.  Snails can also eat algae and extra fish food and thus help to keep your aquarium clean.  Aquarium snails are also entertaining and visually interesting.