Two-Ridge Ramshorn care guide
Two-Ridge Ramshorn (Helisoma anceps) — minimum tank 10 L, temperature 18-28 °C, pH 6.5-8.5.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Two-Ridge Ramshorn (Helisoma anceps) is a ramshorn snail of the family Planorbidae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as a beginner-level species. Smaller ramshorn-style snail, red morphs are popular for adding color. Detritus eater, generally plant-safe.
Taxonomy
- Family: Planorbidae
- Genus: Helisoma
- Scientific name: Helisoma anceps
- Common synonyms: Red Ramshorn, Helisoma
Habitat
Ramshorn snails (family Planorbidae) are air-breathing freshwater pulmonates with a flat, coiled, planispiral shell. They are widespread in ponds, ditches and slow streams across the Northern Hemisphere and feed mainly on algae, biofilm and decaying matter. In the Aquairi knowledge base this species is recorded from North America.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 10 L (2.6 US gal)
- Adult size: 1-2 cm
- Temperature: 18-28 °C (64-82 °F)
- pH: 6.5-8.5
- GH: 4-18 °dGH
- KH: 2-12 °dKH
- Lifespan: 1-2 years
Diet
The species is a detritivore, grazing algae, biofilm and decaying matter from surfaces and substrate; in aquaria its diet is supplemented with algae wafers and blanched vegetables when natural growth is scarce.
Compatibility
The Aquairi knowledge base lists this species as peaceful. Suitable tank mates include Most peaceful fish, Shrimp. It should be kept away from Loaches, Pufferfish, Assassin Snail.
Breeding
Reproduction is egg-laying, and aquarium breeding is rated easy.
Two-Ridge Ramshorn (Helisoma anceps) Breeding Guide
Overview
Helisoma anceps is a North American ramshorn-style snail of the family Planorbidae, ranging widely across the continent and inhabiting lakes, ponds and streams where it favours littoral silt and detritus. The species name anceps means two-sided, referring to its ridged shell. It typically lives two to three years and reaches 8 to 16 mm in shell diameter.
Sexing
The species is hermaphroditic, so each individual carries both male and female reproductive parts and pairing for specific sexes is unnecessary. Mating in related planorbids is induced by encounters with other individuals and by rising temperature.
Conditioning
Reproduction in this snail is seasonal, likely in spring and summer, and warmer water encourages mating. Female reproductive output rises with the quantity and quality of food, so a steady supply of algae and detritus supports egg production.
Egg-laying / Reproduction
After mating, the snail attaches gelatinous egg masses to underwater substrates such as rocks, stones or aquatic plants. Each mass contains about 20 to 30 eggs, and the gelatinous coating protects the developing embryos from predation and infection. The snail provides no parental care after laying.
Juvenile Care
Juveniles hatch directly from the egg mass and immediately graze on bacteria, protists, algae and detritus using the radula. In dense populations egg-mass production declines, which helps limit overpopulation in a closed aquarium.