Orange Red Ramshorn Snail (Planorbella duryi duryi)

13 October 2026

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The orange red ramshorn snail is a freshwater planorbid recognized by its flat, coiled shell and brightly colored body. Planorbella duryi duryi is associated with freshwater habitats in the southeastern United States, especially Florida, although aquarium specimens may be selectively bred and their exact locality is often unknown. It is generally peaceful, useful as a grazer and scavenger, and capable of reproducing quickly when food is abundant.

Orange Red Ramshorn Snail (Planorbella duryi duryi)

Taxonomy and identification

This snail is identified here as Planorbella duryi duryi, a subspecies in the family Planorbidae. It has a laterally coiled, planispiral shell rather than a tall cone-shaped shell, and it can breathe atmospheric air using a lung-like mantle cavity. Bright orange or red aquarium forms are color varieties, not separate species. Commercial specimens may have uncertain lineage, so identification from color alone is not definitive.

Natural habitat

Planorbella duryi is a freshwater snail associated with the southeastern United States, including Florida. It may inhabit ponds, marshes, ditches, lakeshores and slow-moving waters with aquatic vegetation, organic surfaces and access to air. Aquarium populations are adaptable, but wild collection locality and the precise environmental history of captive stock are often unavailable.

Aquarium conditions

Maintain stable, well-filtered freshwater with low ammonia and nitrite and regular nitrate control. A temperature of 20–28 °C and pH of 7.0–8.2 are practical target ranges. Moderate hardness and a reliable calcium supply support shell growth; very soft or acidic water can cause pitting and erosion. Provide a secure lid because ramshorn snails may climb above the waterline.

Feeding

The snail grazes on algae, biofilm, microorganisms and soft organic debris. Supplement this natural grazing with small amounts of sinking algae wafers, prepared invertebrate foods or blanched vegetables such as zucchini and spinach. Remove uneaten food promptly. Excess food is the main reason populations expand rapidly and can also degrade water quality.

Plant safety

Healthy, established aquarium plants are usually safe. The snail mainly removes algae, biofilm and decaying tissue rather than rasping intact vigorous leaves. Tender, damaged or nutrient-starved leaves may be grazed, and a large population can increase the appearance of plant damage by feeding on weakened tissue. Inspect new plants for egg clutches or juvenile snails before adding them.

Reproduction

Ramshorn snails are simultaneous hermaphrodites and commonly reproduce by exchanging sperm with another snail, although mating history can allow egg laying after introduction. They deposit gelatinous egg clutches on glass, plants, hardscape and other submerged surfaces. Warm conditions and abundant food encourage reproduction. Egg development time varies with temperature, so a precise hatching interval should not be assumed.

Population control

Control numbers by reducing feeding, removing excess food, regularly cleaning debris and manually removing visible adults and egg clutches. A bait such as a small piece of blanched vegetable can collect snails overnight for removal. Quarantine plants and livestock to prevent accidental introduction. Avoid copper-based treatments in tanks containing ornamental invertebrates, and never release aquarium snails or egg masses into natural waterways.

Snail info

Temperature : 20–28 °C
pH: 7.0–8.2

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