Leopard Ramshorn Snail

Planorbella duryi

Also known as Florida Ramshorn, Spotted Ramshorn

Animalia›Mollusca›Gastropoda›Planorbidae

The Leopard Ramshorn Snail is a medium-sized freshwater snail with an attractive spotted or mottled shell pattern that resembles a leopard's coat. These peaceful herbivores are excellent algae eaters and detritivores, making them valuable additions to planted and community tanks. They are hardy, easy to care for, and can help maintain tank cleanliness by consuming excess food and decaying plant matter.

Where it's from

Recorded as introduced in Austria, Brazil, France, Germany and 8 more places

At a glance

Size: 1.25 in; 3 cm
Min tank: 5 gal; 19 L
Temp: 64–79°F; 18–26°C
pH: 6.5-8.0
GH: 107–214 ppm; 6–12 dGH
Temperament: Peaceful
Swims: Bottom
Lifespan: 1-3 yrs

Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.

Care

Diet

Leopard Ramshorn Snails are primarily herbivorous and will graze on algae, biofilm, and decaying plant matter throughout the tank. Supplement their diet with blanched vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, and cucumber, as well as algae wafers and quality sinking pellets. Feed vegetables 2-3 times per week, removing uneaten portions after 24 hours to prevent water quality issues.

Behavior

These snails are nocturnal and spend most of their time grazing on surfaces and substrate, helping to control algae growth and clean up detritus. They are slow-moving and peaceful, rarely interacting with other tank inhabitants. Leopard Ramshorns are known for their ability to seal themselves inside their shells when threatened or during unfavorable conditions.

Breeding

Leopard Ramshorn Snails are hermaphrodites and breed readily in freshwater aquariums, laying clusters of clear jelly-like eggs on hard surfaces. Breeding can occur frequently, potentially leading to population explosions if not managed; consider removing egg clusters if overpopulation is a concern. Juveniles are tiny and may be difficult to spot initially but will grow rapidly with adequate food and stable water conditions.

Tank mates

See all 6

Neon Tetra

Small, peaceful fish that do not disturb snails and occupy different tank zones

excellent

Dwarf Gourami

Peaceful and non-aggressive toward snails; compatible with similar water parameters

excellent

Otocinclus

Peaceful algae-eating fish that share similar dietary preferences without competing aggressively

excellent

Corydoras Sterbai

Bottom-dwelling catfish that peacefully coexist with snails while helping maintain substrate cleanliness

excellent

Java Moss

Provides grazing surfaces and shelter while being safe from snail herbivory due to its toughness

excellent

No state or federal restrictions on record.

Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.

The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it. Native range: Catálogo Taxonômico da Fauna do Brasil (CC BY 4.0); Global Register of Introduced and Invasive Species (CC BY 4.0); Checklist of Freshwater Non Native Species of Spain (CC0); Global Register of Invasive and Introduced Species (CC BY 4.0).