Great Ramshorn

Planorbarius corneus

Great Ramshorn (Planorbarius corneus) — Varies care, Peaceful, under Other. Minimum tank in the app: 5.3 US gal min; aim for 64–77°F and pH 6.5–7.5. The Great Ramshorn is a versatile addition for mid-level tank dynamics, appealing to aquarists interested in both aesthetics and ecology.

Great Ramshorn (Planorbarius corneus) in a planted freshwater aquarium
Care levelVaries
TemperamentPeaceful
Min tank size5.3 US gal min
pH range6.5–7.5
Temperature64–77°F
Max size1.6 in (4.0 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

North America

  • Central America & Mexico

Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.

Great Ramshorn Tank Setup

Opt for a balanced setup emphasizing both open swimming areas and dense vegetation or decorations for shelter. Use a substrate that allows for easy grazing, and establish moderate flow to encourage natural foraging behaviors. Lighting should be gentle, promoting plant growth without overwhelming the snails, and creating visual contrast enhances their coloration.

What Do Great Ramshorns Eat?

As omnivores, Great Ramshorns can compete with faster feeders, so provide sinking foods or grazing options to reduce competition. They benefit from a varied diet, including algae wafers and blanched vegetables, which enhance their health and coloration.

Great Ramshorn Tank Mates

Ideal companions are similarly sized and moderately active species that occupy different zones, minimizing territorial disputes. Avoid overly aggressive fish that might perceive the Ramshorn as competition for food or space. Intraspecies aggression is minimal, allowing these snails to thrive in groups, though solitary individuals often adapt well when placed in varied environments.

Are Great Ramshorns Good for Beginners?

Care demand varies with setup and individual fish; use the numbers above as your baseline. Aquarists often underestimate the importance of tank maturity, which can lead to stress and health issues in newly introduced snails. Overlooking water parameters, particularly pH and temperature, can also result in poor adaptation and reduced activity.

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

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