Pink ramshorn snail (Planorbella duryi duryi)

22 October 2026

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The pink ramshorn snail is a freshwater planorbid recognized by its flat, coiled shell and pink to reddish body. The supplied name identifies it as Planorbella duryi duryi, a subspecies associated with the southeastern United States, although shell color alone cannot confirm an exact identification. It is peaceful, air-breathing, and useful as a scavenger in planted aquariums. Like many ramshorns, it can reproduce quickly when excess food and organic debris are available.

Pink ramshorn snail (Planorbella duryi duryi)

Taxonomy and identification

Planorbella duryi duryi belongs to the family Planorbidae, a group of freshwater pulmonate snails. It has a planispiral, disk-shaped shell rather than a tall spire and regularly reaches the surface to use its lung-like respiratory cavity. The supplied photographs show a pink ramshorn-type snail, but photographs and shell color alone do not conclusively verify the subspecies; identification should be treated as probable rather than certain.

Natural habitat

Planorbella duryi is associated with freshwater habitats in the southeastern United States, including quiet waters with vegetation, soft sediments, and abundant organic material. In aquariums it uses glass, hardscape, plant surfaces, and substrate for grazing and shelter. Gentle filtration and a covered aquarium are useful because ramshorns may climb above the waterline.

Water parameters

Maintain stable, clean water with low ammonia and nitrite and regular nitrate control. A practical aquarium range is 18–28 °C and pH 7.0–8.2. Moderate hardness and available calcium support shell growth; crushed coral or another safe calcium source may help where water is very soft, but changes should be gradual. Avoid copper-based medications and other copper exposure, which can kill snails.

Feeding

This snail grazes on algae, biofilm, microorganisms, soft plant debris, and uneaten food. Supplement with small portions of algae wafers, sinking invertebrate foods, blanched vegetables, or other calcium-containing foods. Remove leftovers before they decay. A growing population often indicates that the aquarium is receiving more food than the existing animals can consume.

Plant safety

Healthy, undamaged aquarium plants are generally safe with ramshorn snails. The snails usually graze algae and decaying tissue rather than attack vigorous leaves. They may rasp weakened, melting, or already damaged foliage, especially when other food is scarce. Inspect new plants for egg clutches and quarantine them when preventing accidental introduction is important.

Reproduction

Ramshorn snails are simultaneous hermaphrodites and normally reproduce through mating, although a single introduced snail may sometimes produce offspring after prior mating or through stored sperm. They lay transparent, gelatinous egg clutches on glass, leaves, and hardscape. Development and population growth depend on temperature, food availability, and water conditions. Offspring resemble small versions of the adults.

Population control

Control numbers primarily by reducing excess feeding, removing uneaten food, and maintaining routine tank cleaning. Hand-pick visible snails and scrape egg clutches from surfaces; a vegetable bait or commercial snail trap can collect additional animals. Rehome surplus snails where possible. Do not use copper casually, since it may harm other invertebrates and contaminate the aquarium. Predatory fish should not be added solely for control without considering compatibility and welfare.

Snail info

Temperature : 18–28 °C
pH: 7.0–8.2

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