Rare Freshwater Snails: Interesting Species You Don’t Want to Miss!

Freshwater snails are a fascinating group found only in freshwater habitats like ponds, rivers, and streams. Freshwater snail species are important food for fish, amphibians, water birds, and other invertebrates as they play a role in aquatic ecosystems. Freshwater snail populations can decline due to drought, over-harvesting, water abstraction, climate change, etc.

List of Rare Freshwater Snails

Nerite Snails

Nerite snails eat algae, which helps keep their aquatic habitats clean and healthy. If you find nerite snails in your aquarium or pond, do not remove them – leave them there as they help maintain the environment! Aside from freshwater snails, you might come across other types of snails: slugs and snails. Slugs and snails are mollusks classified under the phylum Arthropoda, including insects and spiders. 

Assassin Snails

Assassin snails are some of the rarest freshwater snails found only in cold, clear waters such as lakes and rivers. They kill their prey with a deadly toxin and can grow to be over three inches long! If you find an assassin snail, it’s essential to protect it by releasing it back into its natural habitat untouched!

Mystery Snails

Mystery snails are unique and hard to find, making them a treasure trove for freshwater snail lovers. They make great food, and some people even eat them raw! In addition, they can be used in recipes or used as pets. They can also grow up to 2 inches or more.

Rabbit Snails

Rabbit snails may look strange, but they’re some of the most attractive freshwater snails. They are newly introduced freshwater snails in the ecosystem. It can be pretty docile if you handle them carefully, but it’s essential to research any animal before purchasing it as a pet. 

Giant Columbian Ramshorn Snails

The giant Columbian ramshorn snail can weigh up to 500-650 mg and measure up to 3 inches in diameter. If you’re lucky enough to find one of these snails, preserve it for future generations! When captured live, giant Columbian ramshorn snails can sell for as much as $30 US per snail. So, be on the lookout for these snails, and don’t miss your chance to add this fantastic snail to your collection!

Japanese Trapdoor Snails

These snails, found only in Japan, are known for their spiral shells – often with intricate patterns. As for care, freshwater snails require a small number of water changes and a small piece of food per week. They’re a great pet choice because they don’t require much care and make great photo subjects!

Black Devil Snails

Black devil snails are a particular favorite for their vivid colors and unique markings. These snails are known for being hardy and thriving in low-light environments. They can be tricky to keep alive, but they make great pets if you’re up for the challenge. So, if freshwater snails aren’t your thing, give black devils a try!

Rams Horn Snails

Rams horn snails are snails that live in slow-moving water bodies such as rivers, ponds, and lakes. It can reach sizes of up to 4 centimeters long, including the tail. Their natural diet consists mainly of aquatic insects but is also known to scavenge dead animals if available. If you’re interested in learning more about ramshorn snails, check out this article!

Malaysian Trumpet Snails

Malaysian trumpet snails are found only in the Malaysian region and can grow over an inch long! They have beautiful trumpet-shaped shells that make them popular collected pets. These snails need warm, moist environments – perfect for tropical gardens or tanks. 

Brotia Pagodula snails

These snails are currently classified as “vulnerable” by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species because of their small population. So far, only ten specimens have been found, making them an extremely precious find. They can grow up to 24 mm long. They’re known to feed on algae and other aquatic plants, so they play an essential role in ecosystem health!

Bladder Snails

Bladder snails, in particular, are often used as food by aquatic animals, such as fish and amphibians. While these snails are not harmful to humans, they must be aware of their habits and not pick them up with force. These snails can grow to an average of half an inch long.

Pond Snails

Pond snails are fast growers, so you can add more over time without worrying about crowding or overfeeding them. They also have a softshell texture, which makes them perfect for eating fish eggs and other small prey items. So if you’re looking to keep your aquarium clean and healthy, pond snails are a great choice!

Ivory Snail

The ivory snail is classified as an endangered species because of its low population and restricted range. If you see an ivory snail, don’t touch it – leave it where you found it! These snails are good eaters, so they’re essential for the health of aquatic ecosystems. The usual lifespan of this snail is about one year.

Aquarium Snails to Avoid

Here are the four freshwater snail species that you should not keep in an aquarium: 

Bladder Snail

Bladder snails or spotted garden snails are not a good thing to have in your aquarium! They cause extensive damage, eating algae and plants while hindering the growth of fish. If you find one of these snails in your tank, remove it as soon as possible!

Rams Horn Snail

The rams horn snail is known to carry a parasite that can cause serious illness in fish. It is also known to eat artificial materials, which can block the aquarium’s filtration system, leading to algae and other plant growths taking over the tank.

Assassin Snail

Assassin snails harm fish as they eat their eggs and can overpopulate an aquarium. They also kill other snails by pinning them to the glass and injecting a toxin into their bodies. 

Apple Snail

Apple snails belong to the species that are known to eat fish eggs and young fish. They can also cause snail diseases in your tank, so avoiding them is essential.