Flora & Fauna

Assassin snails are the go-to solution for controlling pest snail infestations in freshwater aquariums. They hunt and consume other snails methodically, and will also scavenge meaty foods. They breed slowly and do not typically overrun a tank like pest species do.

Bladder Snails are small, sinistral (left-coiled) freshwater snails with translucent amber shells, often introduced accidentally with plant purchases. They are voracious detritivores and algae grazers that help clean up uneaten food and decaying plant matter, contributing to tank cleanliness. Population explosions occur with overfeeding; controlled feeding keeps numbers in check. They serve as an excellent food source for pea puffers and assassin snails.

Deep blue-grey form of the popular mystery snail. Strikingly beautiful against light sand or green plants. Active grazer of algae, uneaten food and detritus. One of the most popular planted tank snails.

The Giant Ramshorn (Colombian Ramshorn) is a large, impressive snail with a distinctive flat, coiled shell striped in brown and cream — reaching up to 5 cm — distinguishing it from the smaller true ramshorn (Planorbarius). Unlike many ornamental snails it has a voracious appetite for aquatic plants and should not be kept in planted aquariums; it is best suited to fish-only or utilitarian setups where its algae and detritus grazing is beneficial. It reproduces readily in freshwater.

Vivid golden-yellow form of the mystery snail. Active and personable — visually striking against dark substrates. Peaceful algae and detritus grazer. Lays eggs above the waterline so populations are easy to control.

The Horned Nerite is a small, striking nerite species notable for its ornate shell decorated with irregular blunt horn-like protrusions that vary in number, length, and arrangement between individuals — no two are quite alike. Like other nerites it is an excellent algae grazer and cannot reproduce in freshwater, so populations remain controlled. The unusual shell adds unique sculptural texture to planted tanks and nano aquariums.

Solid white-cream form of the mystery snail — looks like a tiny porcelain ornament. One of the most elegant snail colour forms. Effective detritus cleaner that adds a clean aesthetic to planted tanks.

The Japanese Trapdoor Snail is a large, attractive freshwater snail with a smooth, olive-green to dark-brown rounded shell and a distinctive calcareous operculum (trapdoor) that seals the shell opening when the snail retreats. It is a peaceful, slow-moving scavenger and algae grazer well suited to ponds and large aquariums. Unlike mystery snails, it is livebearing and gives birth to miniature snails without an egg-laying stage.

Malaysian trumpet snails are beneficial substrate dwellers that burrow through gravel and sand, aerating it and preventing the build-up of toxic anaerobic pockets. They are predominantly nocturnal and are often only seen at night. Populations can explode with excess food, but remain in check with controlled feeding.

Mystery snails are large, attractive freshwater snails that come in a range of shell colours from gold to blue-grey. They are peaceful algae grazers and scavengers that will clean up uneaten food and detritus. They have a trap door (operculum) that allows them to seal the shell, surviving brief periods out of water.

Nerite snails are among the best algae-eating invertebrates available, consuming green spot algae, diatoms, and film algae from glass, rocks, and plant leaves. They cannot reproduce in freshwater, so populations remain controlled. They may attempt to escape, so a tight-fitting lid is advisable.

Small, olive-coloured nerite with a smooth shell. Excellent algae grazer that won't eat healthy plants. Does not reproduce in freshwater. A reliable and undemanding member of any planted tank clean-up crew.

Ramshorn snails are named for their distinctive flat, coiled shell. They are efficient algae eaters and detritivores in planted tanks. While they can reproduce rapidly, populations are easily managed by removing egg clusters or reducing feeding. Some aquarists deliberately cultivate them as a food source for puffers.

Striking nerite with vivid red-orange shell bearing black racing stripes. Among the most attractive freshwater snails. Vigorous algae grazer. Cannot breed in freshwater, keeping populations controlled.

Tiny nerite with extraordinary spiky protrusions on the shell resembling a crown or sun. Highly variable shell pattern — no two are identical. Excellent algae grazer. A novelty snail beloved by aquascapers.

Bold black-and-yellow tiger-striped nerite shell. One of the most visually striking clean-up snails. Outstanding algae grazer, especially for green spot algae on glass. Won't reproduce in freshwater.

The Zebra Nerite Snail is the most recognisable nerite variety, with a distinctly striped shell of alternating black and yellow bands that closely resembles a zebra's coat. Like all nerites it is an outstanding algae grazer — consuming green spot algae, diatoms, and film algae from glass, plants, and rockwork — and cannot reproduce in freshwater, keeping populations controlled. Hard water is essential for maintaining healthy shell integrity.