Freshwater Snail Care Guide

AVERAGE ADULT SIZE

 2-3 inches long depending on species

SWIM LEVEL

 Bottom dweller

NORMAL BEHAVIOR & INTERACTION

Snails are docile and compatible with most tanks, although some aggressive or larger fish may eat some snails. Snails will crawl up surfaces within the tank and graze on algae buildup as they move throughout the aquarium. For this reason, snails are an excellent choice to add to an established tank to help maintain a cleanly aquarium. Snails will often breed in your home aquarium so keep this in mind when choosing the number of snails to add to your tank.

TANK REQUIREMENTS

1 gallon or more

WATER TEMPERATURE

70°-80°F depending on species

FEEDING

While snails do graze on algae in the aquarium, this is not enough to complete their diet. Offer your snails algae wafers, commercial tropical fish pellets or fresh vegetables daily. Most aquariums should be offered food twice a day in a quantity that can be completely consumed by its inhabitants within 1-2 minutes. Stock level and types of species may require adjustments to these feeding recommendations.

SUPPLEMENTS

Calcium supplements in the form of mineral stones or cuttle bone pieces may be offered to your snails to promote healthy shell growth.

ENVIRONMENT

Snails will adapt to many types of aquarium set ups but will benefit from live plants in their habitat. Be sure to provide adequate spaces for your snails to hide and feel secure.

ACCLIMATING & QUARANTINING NEW SNAILS & FISH

We recommend water acclamation for your freshwater snails and fish. To achieve this, float the bag containing the new fish in your aquarium for 10 to 15 minutes to equalize temperatures. At this point you can add small amounts of your tank water to the fish bag every 15 minutes or so 3-4 times. At this point, catch your new snail or fish out of the bag and release it into your quarantine aquarium.

RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES

• Algae wafers
• Live aquatic plants
• Mineral stone or cuttle bone
• Aquarium decor to provide hide spots

Vet Approved

Our Care Guides are designed to assist in general knowledge and requirements for the care of your new family member. We strongly encourage further research and consultation with your veterinarian on the complete and proper care of any new pet.

For more information visit petsuppliesplus.com, cdc.gov/healthypets or contact your veterinarian.

Always wash your hands before and after handling your pet or cleaning its habitat, and remember that any pet can scratch, bite or transmit disease to humans.

For pregnant women, persons with compromised immune systems, or if you have children under the age of 5, we strongly recommend contacting your physician prior to purchasing or caring for a new pet.

Please see the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/healthypets for more information.