Pond Snail

25 October 2021

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Pond Snails are the most common species of freshwater snail. They are considered both useful and a pest. Unlike Ramshorn snails they are less likely to consume plants in the aquarium. They can however reproduce quickly often causing overpopulation. The eggs are clear jelly like clutches laid on glass and hardscape and can be easily removed.

Pond snails are omnivorous and will consume plants and food meant for other invertebrates. Any excess food should be removed from the tank as to not encourage population outbreak. They are suitable in a community tank and will do fine with other shrimp and invertebrate.

Pond Snails can be identified by their dark brown peppered shell. Their body can range from a light translucent yellow color to a deep brown. Their body is often dotted with tiny dark spots.

Pond Snails will lay batches of eggs around the aquarium. They can be seen with the naked eye and should be removed if there is an overpopulation.

Pond snails like Ramshorn Snails receive a bad reputation. In smaller numbers Pond Snails are excellent aquarium cleaners and will contribute to low nitrates. When feeding other shrimp and inverts make sure they are given only enough food for them to consume in an hour. Remove any excess after this time period.

Temperature ~75°F

Pond Snails will often flourish in temperatures around 70°F - 80°F (21°C-27°C).

pH ~7.5

Pond Snails are most likely found in pH neutral aquariums.

1"

Pond Snails species vary in size. Most commonly they are 3/4 - 1 1/4 inches in size.

Nitrite 0ppm

Nitrite should always be 0.

Ammonia 0ppm

Pond Snails are sensitive to ammonia spikes and copper additives.

Nitrate >40ppm

Nitrates should be as close to 0ppm as possible. Pond Snails consume debris contributing to lower nitrates but are sensitive to high nitrate levels.

How to avoid

Pond Snails can arrive in the aquarium through a number of ways. Unfortunately once in the aquarium using commercial pesticides will have detrimental impact upon shrimp and other invertebrates. Aquatic plants are the most likely to be hijacked. They should be thoroughly rinsed in a commercial sanitizer before being placed in the aquarium. Hardscape such as driftwood and rocks can also carry the eggs. They are very small in size and hence it is recommended to also soak anything that goes into the tank in a pesticide.

Feeding

Pond Snails sometimes need supplemental food. Pond Snails can simply be fed commercial flake and pellet food. Pond snails will consume boiled vegetables such as zucchini.

Breeding

Pond Snails are extremely easy to breed. They will reproduce in any aquarium with water and food. Their ease of reproduction can lead to issues with over population. They can become a pest and are hard to eradicate if populations become large. When keeping Pond Snails it is recommended to start with very few snails and ensure not to overfeed the aquarium.

Snail info

Temperature : 21 - 27
pH: 6.5 - 8.0
Color Form: Black, Brown, Orange, White, Yellow

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