Ramshorn Snail

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Planorbella duryi (often classified as *Helisoma duryi*) is native to North America, particularly Florida. It inhabits marshes, slow streams, ponds, and lakes rich in organic material and aquatic plants, showing tolerance to low dissolved oxygen levels.

Taxonomy: Belonging to the family Planorbidae, this snail features a flat, coiled shell resembling a ram's horn. Adults reach a shell diameter of 1.5-2.5 cm. It lacks an operculum and possesses a lung-like organ to breathe atmospheric oxygen.

Social Behavior: Peaceful, active, and bold. They crawl continuously on plants, driftwood, and glass. They are completely harmless to fish and dwarf shrimp. They are excellent clean-up crew members for community, shrimp, or nano aquariums.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: The wild shell is brown, but popular aquarium strains include pink, red, blue, and spotted (leopard) varieties. They are simultaneous hermaphrodites but require cross-fertilization with another snail to reproduce; no sexual dimorphism exists.

Tank Setup: Highly adaptable, suitable for any tank size starting from 10 liters. Provide plants, driftwood, and rocks. They do not require a specific type of substrate and can live on sand, gravel, or bare bottoms. A covered tank is recommended.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous detritivores. They feed on soft green algae, diatoms, decaying plant matter, fish food remnants, and biofilm. They do not damage healthy plants unless they are starving, focusing instead on dead leaves.

Water Quality: Very hardy: temperature 15-28°C, pH 7.0-8.0, GH 8-20, and KH 4-12. In acidic or soft water, their shells will suffer from calcium depletion, turning white and brittle. Keep ammonia and nitrites at zero. Avoid copper-based treatments.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Safe with peaceful fish and shrimp. Avoid keeping them with snail predators such as Clea helena (which hunts them), loaches (Botiidae), pufferfish, and large aggressive cichlids.

Aquarium Breeding: Extremely easy and prolific. They lay flat, clear gelatinous egg clutches containing 10-20 eggs on glass, plants, and decorations. Young hatch in 10-14 days. Their population grows in direct proportion to available nutrients.

Risks and Diseases: Overpopulation is the most common issue, indicating overfeeding of the tank. Shell erosion in soft, acidic water due to lack of calcium. Highly sensitive to copper and chemical algaecides.