Do Cory Catfish Eat Snails: How Can They Coexist?

Cory catfish are a popular fish that many people enjoy having in their aquariums. They are small but aggressive fish that can be hard to keep in captivity, though, and they can be challenging to feed. That’s why it’s important to know what cory catfish eat if you want one to live in your aquarium.

Some cory catfish do eat snails when they are dead. So, although you cannot use live snails to feed your fish, if the only types of foods available in your tank are going to be frozen or dried food and meat that has been ground up for food, then it is better for any fish (including cory catfish) to eat whatever form of snail life cycle meets their needs, in addition, to give your cory catfish some variety, you can provide a live snail as an addition to their diet.

How Do Cory Catfish Eat Snails?

Cory catfish have very short snouts, so they cannot eat live snails. In addition, their teeth are positioned vertically instead of horizontally, so they cannot crunch up snail shells if they are not previously crushed. Finally, cory catfish lack the sensory receptors found on the tips of their tentacles needed to taste and smell food items in water.

When Do Cory Catfish Eat Snails?

Cory catfish will eat crushed snails when available as a food source. In addition, they will contain live snails in their stomachs to prevent starvation even though they will not eat them. In addition, the fish will use their barbel to remove parts of snails that they cannot eat, but these same spots on a snail also serve as bait for predators.

Which Types of Cory Catfish Eat Snails?

All cory catfish will eat snails that are crushed into pieces when they die, but some are better than others. For example, the African cory catfish is considered an excellent eater of snails. Some cory catfish eat snails, and some do not, but this is not an accurate preference indicator. The same goes for the hobbyist breeds these fish as they are explicitly bred to exhibit a variety of behavior (some eat food items put in their aquariums while others avoid foods offered).

Common Types of Snails in an Aquarium Setting

Do Cory Catfish Eat Assassin Snails?

No, cory catfish do not eat assassin snails. Assassin snails are a type of snail considered a pest in an aquarium setting as they can damage plants and other underwater objects.

Do Cory Catfish Eat Trumpet Snails?

There is no evidence that cory catfish eat trumpet snails, but some people consider these snails an essential part of the diet for cory catfish, but there is no scientific proof to support this claim.

Do Cory Catfish Eat Bladder Snails?

There is evidence that cory catfish will eat bladder snails, but this is still not a common food item for these fish. Bladder snails are an essential part of the diet for many other fish species, so it would be unusual for cory catfish to ignore them in favor of eating snail eggs or mucous.

Do Cory Catfish Eat Pest Snails?

There is evidence that cory catfish will eat pest snails, but this is still not a common food item for these fish. Pest snails are a type of snail considered harmful to aquatic plants and other underwater objects.

Do Cory Catfish Eat Snails Eggs?

Some cory catfish eat snail eggs, but this is a rare food item. The eggs are likely to be nutritious for the fish, but it is not clear how much of an appetite the cory catfish has for these tiny creatures.

Will Cory Catfish Eat Baby Snails?

No, cory catfish are not known to attack or eat baby snails. In addition, there is no scientific data that shows if cory catfish will attack or eat baby snail eggs, which means it would be unlikely for a potential predator of snails to consume them.

Can Cory Catfish Live With Snails?

Yes, cory catfish can live with snails. The trumpet and bladder snails are both common types of snails that many people find to be an essential part of the diet for these fish. The presence of these snails will not impact the overall health or behavior of the cory catfish, so they should be just fine in a tank with them. In addition, these creatures are not likely to compete with the cory catfish for food.

How to Make Cory Catfish and Snails Coexist?

If you want to try and make cory catfish and snail coexist in your tank, it is crucial to provide them with different types of food. For example, the cory catfish will be more likely to eat pest snails if they access various other prey items. In addition, the snail may be happier in a tank without other fish because they can scavenge for food without inhibition.

Proper Tankmates

Whether you are trying to keep cory catfish and snail coexist or not, it is vital to choose suitable tankmates. In addition, be sure to research which creatures would be compatible before adding them to your tank. Some potential candidates may include angelfish, loaches, and guppies.

Correct Water Parameters

One way to help make cory catfish and snail coexist in your tank are to adjust the water parameters. You can make the environment more suitable for these creatures by doing this. Changing the water temperature or adding a specific type of plant may also help to improve their compatibility.

Spacious Aquarium

If you are trying to keep cory catfish and snail coexist in your tank, one crucial thing to consider is the size of the tank. Keeping them in a small aquarium will likely not be successful. In addition, larger tanks provide more space for both creatures to move around without competing.

Regular Water Changes

Another vital thing to consider is the frequency of water changes. You can keep the tank clean and healthy for both creatures by doing this. Changing 25% to 50% of the water every week should be enough to maintain a healthy environment for your cory catfish and snail.

Add a Few Plants

Another way to make cory catfish and snail coexist in your tank are to introduce a few plants. These organisms are attracted to light, so adding some live plants may help them feel at home. However, be sure not to over-dose on foliage because this can provide too much competition for food.

Healthy Feeding

One final thing to keep in mind when keeping cory catfish and snail coexist proper nutrition. By providing a variety of prey items, these creatures can prosper and live healthier lives. Ensure to feed them regularly with fresh food, and don’t over-feed them because this can lead to obesity in the fish.