About Aquarium Snails

Aquarium snails can be either good or bad for your aquarium depending on the type of snail you have in the tank. Some kinds are welcome for their ability to keep the aquarium clean, while others can be harmless but annoying.

  1. Cleaning

    • If you want a snail to keep the aquarium clean, get a Trumpet snail. They rarely eat plants but will eat debris in the tank.

    Looks

    • Some snails, like the Ramshorn, are prized just for adding decor to the tank. These snails are shaped like a ram's horn and come in black, red and checkered patterns.

    Apple Snails

    • The most popular aquarium snail is the Apple Snail. They have an attractive, bright appearance, they're large they generally get along with most fish.

    How They Get There

    • While some snails are welcome in aquariums, those snails that just "appear" were attached to the plant life or food you put in the tank.

    Fish with Snails

    • If you want to eliminate unwanted snails the natural way, get a Catfish, Puffer, Betta, Goldfish, Angelfish or Barb. Guppies, Neon Tetras, Danios and White Cloud Minnows won't find the snails appetizing.

    Food

    • Different species of snails eat different foods. Most of the popular aquarium types are content with algae and debris, but some need plants too. Ask at the pet supply store which food your choice of snail prefers.