Blue Ramshorn Snail

The Blue Ramshorn Snail is a colour variant of Planorbella duryi that displays a distinctive blue-grey shell colouration, setting it apart from the more common brown or red ramshorn forms. This muted, cool-toned shell creates an understated elegance in planted aquariums, particularly against warm-toned substrates and driftwood. Like all Planorbella ramshorns, the blue-grey colouration arises from haemoglobin in the snail's tissues combined with selective breeding emphasis on specific shell pigmentation. The Blue Ramshorn is a diligent grazer of algae, biofilm, and decaying organic material, functioning as an effective and unobtrusive part of the tank's natural clean-up crew. It is a simultaneous hermaphrodite capable of self-fertilisation, which enables rapid population growth in nutrient-rich aquariums. Managing feeding frequency is the most effective way to limit population expansion. Despite its reproductive capacity, the species is considered entirely beneficial in planted tanks where a modest colony is desired for algae management. Blue Ramshorns are fully peaceful with community fish and invertebrates of all sizes and temperaments. Their small profile, typically remaining under 3 cm, makes them appropriate for nano aquariums and shrimp tanks. Tolerance for a broad range of water conditions makes this a particularly forgiving species for beginners.

Tank Setup House in tanks of 10 litres or more. Planted tanks with moderate plant density and biofilm-covered surfaces are ideal. Use a sponge filter to prevent small snails from being sucked into intake pipes. Provide fine or mixed substrate and leaf litter or driftwood for enrichment and natural grazing opportunities.

Water Parameters Maintain pH 7.0–8.0, temperature 15–25°C, GH 5–20, and KH 2–10. Moderately hard water is preferable for maintaining shell health. Avoid soft or acidic conditions that may cause shell pitting or discolouration of the blue-grey colouration.

Feeding Grazes continuously on algae and biofilm. Supplement with algae wafers, blanched greens, and sinking food to ensure nutritional completeness. Reducing feeding quantity is the simplest and most effective way to manage population size in established tanks.

Compatibility Fully peaceful with all freshwater fish, shrimp, and other snails. Blue Ramshorns are compatible with nano fish, tetras, rasboras, corydoras, and dwarf shrimp. Frequently used as live food for pufferfish and other snail-feeding species. Avoid all copper-based products.

Health and Maintenance Extremely hardy; rarely falls ill under stable water conditions. Monitor the blue-grey shell for signs of etching or erosion indicating low calcium or acidity. Perform regular water changes and test parameters monthly. Manually thin population if numbers become excessive.