Types of Aquarium Snails: The Top-Tier List and Care Guide

There are many types of aquarium snails. Some snails can be fed live feedings, while others must be fed a diet that includes pellets or other small food items. Some popular aquarium snails include mystery, nerite, and apple snail. 

Our Favorite Types

Here are our top picks for the types of aquarium snails that are ideal for small tanks:

Mystery Snail

Mystery snails can live in freshwater or saltwater tanks and are known for their swift movements and love of hiding in dark areas and scavenging food items, making them excellent scavengers.

Including mystery snails in your tank mix will help keep the ecosystem clean; moreover, they eat a wide range of food types, so there’s no need to worry about having enough variety.

Nerite Snail

Nerite snails are a popular aquarium snail choice for those who want a small, hidden pet. They come in different colors – nearly black, dark brown, dark green, olive green, tan, golden and reddish brown – to suit any decor and withstand most water conditions.

A nerite snail’s diet consists of algae and other plant material, making it ideal for keeping an aquarium clean and healthy.

Apple Snail

If you’re looking for an aquarium snail that will add some color and movement to your tank, the apple snail might be a good option. These snails are slow movers, so that they won’t overwhelm your fish with their activity. They also make great tanks starter species as they are pretty hardy and easy to care for.

Assassin Snail

The assassin snail is a snail that needs a lot of space and should be kept in a solitary tank. They eat fish and other snails, which is suitable for an aquarium with a balanced environment. Their diet also helps to maintain the aquarium’s water quality. Reproduction happens quickly, so it is essential to have enough space for them to grow.

Rabbit Snail

The rabbit snail is an excellent choice for an aquarium if you want a small, low- maintenance pet. These snails are active and fast movers, so they won’t be too distracting or take up too much space in your tank. Instead, they eat algae and other plant material, so they help to keep the clean tank while providing some nutritional support to your fish.

Ivory Snail

Ivory Snails are hardy, low-maintenance pets that enjoy algae and plant diets. They live for up to 1 year, making them an excellent long-term investment. These snails can be kept in any aquarium water type – from soft to hard – making them perfect for beginners.

Black Devil Snails

Black Devil Snails are among the most popular aquarium snail species because they’re easy to care for and live in many aquariums. If you want to keep them, provide them with plenty of food and water! Another reason they’re so popular is their unique color – black with orange or red highlights.

Gold Inca Snails

Gold Inca Snails are beautiful snails that come in different colors. They eat small creatures and live fish, which is an excellent aquarium pet. Make sure to clean the aquarium regularly to prevent overpopulation.

Ramshorn Snail

The ramshorn snail is a popular choice for beginner aquarists. This snail has various colors and sizes, making it perfect for any aquarium lover. They are also easy to keep and breed – perfect for small tanks or setups.

Japanese Trapdoor Snail

The Japanese Trapdoor Snails are an excellent choice for beginner fish owners as they are easy to take care of and feed. They also make good tank companions as they are solitary and don’t compete with other fish for food or space.

Other Pond Snails

Pond snails are the perfect pet for those who want something exciting and different in their aquarium. They come in various colors, shapes, and sizes, making them one of the most popular types of a snail. Many experts say that pond snails are some of the most intelligent freshwater creatures!

Despite being relatively easy to care for – feed them once a week and keep their tank clean – occasional maintenance is necessary if you want your snail to remain healthy. Additionally, be sure not to over-fill your tank as this can lead to waterlogging or drowning.

How to Care for Freshwater Snails

1. Make sure to have a snail habitat ready before you add your snails. This can be something as simple as planting some plants in an empty container or using an artificial rock for them to crawl on.

2. Feed your snails weekly with high-quality food (fish flakes, pellets, and vegetables). Do not overfeed them – they will get too big and overeat, damaging their shells and health.

3. Clean the aquarium regularly –> snails are messy creatures! Clear out any excess fish food, plant matter, or gravel, so your snail has plenty of space to move and breathe. If the tank is too dirty, add water until the level reaches halfway up the snails’ shells (this will scare them away).

4. Drape a towel or old piece of clothing over the aquarium’s opening if you want to keep your snail as a pet – they like hiding in dark places!

How to Set Up Your Tank for Freshwater Snails

1. Choose a large tank for your snail – you don’t want them to feel cramped up.

2. Fill the tank with fresh water and add some quality aquatic plants or rocks to provide shelter and hideout spots for your snails.

3. Add a fresh food dish to the tank daily so that your snails have something to munch on while swimming (pellets, fish flakes, vegetables).

Additionally, remove any dead or damaged snails – they can lead to disease in your tank and an overcrowded environment which could lead to their death.

What to Feed Your Snails

Providing your snails with the right food to live healthy lives is essential. Both types of snails need a food source that includes vegetable matter, algae, and other goodies. You can give them this by using a unique feeder or just leaving it around in their natural environment.

How to Avoid Introducing Nuisance Snails to Your Aquarium

Aquarium snails can be a nuisance, but there are ways to avoid introducing them to your aquarium. Please ensure all marine equipment is sanitized correctly before using it in an aquarium containing non-native snail species.

Additionally, take these simple steps to keep you and your tank safe:

• Avoid introducing any snail species not native to your area.
• Avoid overfeeding fish and snails.
• Provide a snail habitat.

If you’re adding new fish or snails to your aquarium, research the types of snails native to your area first. Doing so will help prevent any potential problems and keep your aquarium snail-free!

What Are the Benefits of Having a Variety of Snails in My Aquarium?

A variety of snails in your aquarium can be beneficial for several reasons. For example, they can help to improve plant growth and vigor. Additionally, they can keep the tank clean and organized by eating smaller organisms that would otherwise float around in the water.