Ramshorn Snail care guide
Ramshorn Snail (Planorbarius corneus) — minimum tank 10 L, temperature 18-28 °C, pH 6.5-8.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
The Great Ramshorn Snail (Planorbarius corneus) is a freshwater pulmonate gastropod of the family Planorbidae, named for the flat coiled shell that resembles the horn of a ram. Several colour forms — red, blue, brown and leopard — circulate in the aquarium trade.
Taxonomy
- Family: Planorbidae
- Genus: Planorbarius
- Scientific name: Planorbarius corneus
- Common synonyms: Planorbis Snail
Habitat
Native to still and slow-flowing freshwater across most of Europe and into western Asia. Occurs in well-vegetated ponds, ditches and slow rivers, breathing atmospheric air at the surface via a mantle cavity that functions as a lung.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 10 L (2.6 US gal)
- Adult size: 1-4 cm
- Temperature: 18-28 °C (64-82 °F)
- pH: 6.5-8
- GH: 4-18 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Lifespan: 1-2 years
Diet
A grazing omnivore feeding on biofilm, soft algae, decaying plant material and leftover food. In aquaria sinking algae wafers, blanched vegetables and occasional protein supplements maintain growth; the snail rarely damages healthy live plants but may sample weakened leaves.
Compatibility
Peaceful and compatible with most peaceful tank mates including shrimp and small fish. Avoid pufferfish, large loaches and crayfish that prey on snails. Population growth depends on food availability — restraint in feeding limits over-reproduction.
Breeding
A simultaneous hermaphrodite that lays small flat gelatinous egg masses on plants, glass and decor. Juveniles emerge in 2-4 weeks as miniature snails and grow steadily under stable conditions.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. The species is broadly distributed and abundant across its native European range.
Ramshorn Snail (Planorbarius corneus) Breeding Guide
Overview
Planorbarius corneus is a coil-shaped pulmonate snail of the family Planorbidae. It carries hemoglobin that acts as an oxygen transporter, allowing it to tolerate low-oxygen water, and in poorly oxygenated water it extends a siphon above the surface to fill its lungs.
Sexing
The species is hermaphroditic and capable of self-fertilization, so a single released animal can establish a stable population. No sexing or pairing is required to obtain offspring, although only about 5 percent of self-fertilized juveniles successfully hatch.
Egg-laying / Reproduction
Eggs are deposited in pinkish gelatinous masses on aquatic plants such as Elodea and Ceratophyllum and on the aquarium glass. The cylindrical or oval clutches measure roughly 12 by 8 mm and contain about 12 to 49 eggs, occasionally up to 60. Reproduction occurs in spring and autumn at water temperatures above 15 degrees Celsius.
Juvenile Care
Eggs first begin hatching within 31 to 65 days of being laid, and not all embryos hatch at once; an additional 9 to 21 days may pass before the final embryos emerge. Juveniles graze immediately and are generalist feeders, taking whatever food is available.