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Leopard Ramshorn Snail
Planorbella duryi
📍 North America (United States)
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.
Care Guide
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
Small, peaceful fish that do not disturb snails and occupy different tank zones
Peaceful and non-aggressive toward snails; compatible with similar water parameters
Peaceful algae-eating fish that share similar dietary preferences without competing aggressively
Bottom-dwelling catfish that peacefully coexist with snails while helping maintain substrate cleanliness
Provides grazing surfaces and shelter while being safe from snail herbivory due to its toughness
Hardy plant that snails rarely damage; provides cover and aesthetic appeal to the tank
Common Diseases
Shell Erosion
Pitting, thinning, or deterioration of the shell; white spots or chalky appearance
Increase water hardness (calcium and magnesium) through mineral supplements or crushed coral; ensure pH is not too acidic; provide cuttlebone or calcium-rich foods
Parasitic Flukes
Excessive mucus production, lethargy, shell damage, or withdrawal into shell for extended periods
Perform 25% water changes; treat with anti-parasitic medications designed for snails; quarantine affected snails if possible; improve water quality and reduce stressors
Bacterial Infection
Foul odor from shell, visible lesions or discoloration on soft tissue, inability to retract into shell
Improve water quality through frequent partial water changes; remove decaying food and waste promptly; maintain stable water parameters; consider antibacterial treatments if severe
Starvation/Malnutrition
Slow growth, thin shell, reduced activity, inability to reproduce
Increase feeding frequency with algae wafers, blanched vegetables, and quality sinking pellets; ensure adequate biofilm development in established tanks; supplement with calcium-rich foods
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Herbivore/Detritivore - consumes algae, biofilm, decaying plant matter, and soft vegetables
- lifespan
- 1-3 years
- max size
- 3.2 cm (1.25 in)
- tank size
- 5 gallons minimum
- temperament
- peaceful
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.5-8.0
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 6-12 dGH
- temperature
- 64–79°F (18–26°C)