Common ramshorn

Planorbis planorbis

InvertebrateFreshwater

Planorbis planorbis is a freshwater snail of the family Planorbidae. Its shell is discoid, coiled in a plane, brown-red to dark brown. It grows to about 1-2 cm in diameter. It feeds on algae, plant debris, and leftover food. It is very hardy and can live in low-oxygen waters thanks to its hemoglobin. It is often used as a cleaner in coldwater aquariums.

Recommended parameters

ParameterRecommended range
Temperature10–25
pH6.5–8
GH5–15
KH3–10
NO₃≤ 40
PO₄≤ 2

Care

Difficulty1/5
Dietherbivore
Min. tank5 L
Min. group1
Adult size2 cm
Lifespan1.5 ans
Temperamentpeaceful

Care notes

Freshwater: temperature 10-25°C, pH 6.5-8.0, GH 5-15, KH 3-10. Nitrates <40 ppm. Tolerates a wide range of parameters. Diet: algae, blanched vegetables, fish tablets. Avoid overpopulation as they reproduce quickly.