Bladder Snail

Physella acuta

Bladder Snail (Physella acuta) — Easy care, Peaceful, under Snail. Minimum tank in the app: 5.3 US gal min; aim for 57–86°F and pH 7–8.5. Bladder snails are ideal for aquarists seeking a low-maintenance herbivore that contributes to tank cleanliness.

Bladder Snail (Physella acuta) in a planted freshwater aquarium
Care levelEasy
TemperamentPeaceful
Min tank size5.3 US gal min
pH range7–8.5
Temperature57–86°F
Max size0.6 in (1.5 cm)
Captive lifespan1–3 years
SchoolingNo

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.

Natural distribution

Various

We don’t shade a region on this simplified map—your text may be Europe-only, worldwide, listed as “Various,” captive-only, or outside the five areas used in the stocking calculator. That tool still scores whether your fish come from similar parts of the world.

Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.

Bladder Snail Tank Setup

Create a balanced environment that offers both open spaces for movement and ample hiding spots among plants and decorations. A gentle water flow will facilitate grazing across surfaces. Fine substrate is preferable to support their feeding habits, and moderate lighting can encourage algae growth, their primary food source.

What Do Bladder Snails Eat?

Bladder snails feed slowly, which can lead to competition if housed with faster feeders. Offering a varied diet, including algae wafers and blanched vegetables, can enhance their health and coloration.

Bladder Snail Tank Mates

These snails coexist harmoniously with most community fish that are not aggressive or overly large. Ideally, tank mates should be small to medium-sized species that occupy different vertical zones. However, avoid pairing with fast-moving fish that may outcompete them for food or species that might disturb their grazing areas.

Are Bladder Snails Good for Beginners?

In App-aquatic we file this under easy care. That still means a cycled tank, realistic stocking, and parameters that do not swing every weekend. Aquarists often overlook the impact of copper-based medications or treatments, which can be fatal for bladder snails. neglecting to provide sufficient food or hiding spots can lead to stress or decreased health, as these snails rely on a stable environment with access to grazing.

Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.

Log tests and reminders in App-aquatic—free, same data you see here.