Giant Colombian Ramshorn

Planorbarius corneus

Giant Colombian Ramshorn (Planorbarius corneus) — Varies care, Peaceful, under Other. Minimum tank in the app: 5.3 US gal min; aim for 73–81°F and pH 6.5–7.5. The Giant Colombian Ramshorn is well-suited for both seasoned aquarists and those looking to add a unique mollusk to their tank.

Giant Colombian Ramshorn (Planorbarius corneus) in a planted freshwater aquarium
Care levelVaries
TemperamentPeaceful
Min tank size5.3 US gal min
pH range6.5–7.5
Temperature73–81°F
Max size2.0 in (5.0 cm)
Captive lifespan2–4 years
SchoolingNo

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

Natural distribution

South America

  • South America

Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.

Giant Colombian Ramshorn Tank Setup

To optimize conditions for the Giant Colombian Ramshorn, create a balanced environment with both open swimming areas and plenty of hiding spots using rocks and plants. A substrate that allows for easy burrowing is beneficial, and moderate water flow helps keep them active. Lighting should be gentle, as overly bright conditions can stress them; consider using plants to diffuse light and provide shaded areas.

What Do Giant Colombian Ramshorns Eat?

As omnivores, they can compete effectively for food, so ensure a varied diet that includes algae, plant matter, and high-quality sinking pellets. They may exhibit slower feeding speeds compared to faster fish, which can lead to competition for food if not monitored.

Giant Colombian Ramshorn Tank Mates

Ideal tank mates include similarly sized, semi-aggressive fish that occupy different swimming zones to reduce territorial disputes. Larger, more docile species can coexist, but be cautious with fin-nippers, as the Ramshorn's shell can be vulnerable. Intraspecies interactions are generally peaceful, but overcrowding can lead to stress and increased aggression, so maintaining a balanced population is key.

Are Giant Colombian Ramshorns Good for Beginners?

Care demand varies with setup and individual fish; use the numbers above as your baseline. Aquarists often underestimate the impact of tank size and structure on the Ramshorn's behavior, leading to stress and aggression. Neglecting water parameters, especially pH and temperature, can also result in health decline.

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