POND SNAILS Flat Ramshorn snail

Flat ramshorn snail (Planorbis planorbis) 5mm Average Sent Size

The flat Ramshorn snail, sometimes known as the native Ramshorn, it is a small native species of Ramshorn snail only growing to a maximum of 2 cm. They are great algae grazers and will graze algae from rocks, glass and plants (they won't eat live plants) as well as scavenging detritus and left over fish food. Being a native species, it can easily survive UK winters outdoors but can also be kept in cold-water and tropical aquariums. Snails make up an essential part of a pond or aquarium ecosystem and would make an excellent addition to a wildlife pond.

Please do not confuse these with the larger Ramshorn Snail-(Planorbids corneus) – See my other listing for these and other snails, TRAPDOOR snails being the best Algae eaters by far and much much larger.

Key characteristics

• Shell a medium-sized flat coil with a keel on the lower (flat) side
• Last whorl is about ¼ total shell breadth
• Aperture nearly circular with the keel obvious on the lower side
• Surface glossy brown / black but usually covered with a matt deposit

These snails tend to live around the pond margins feeding on algae and dead foliage, though they can feed on almost anything. They have adapted to tolerate low-oxygen waters, though prefer warmer water.

They are commonly brown in colour, though they can come in colours of red, blue and yellow. Selective breeding can be done to yield certain colours, though brown remains the dominant phenotype. As a hermaphrodite species that can self-reproduce and have a life span of up to 2 years. For overpopulated water, predators such as fish can help regain equilibrium.

One of the Ramshorn's peculiarities is that they can swim on the surface of the water with their shell faced down, which is achieved by filling the shell with oxygen. If contacted during a swim the snail will release this oxygen and sink - a reflex developed to protect itself from predators.

As a useful guide we recommend 10 snails per m².

These lay small clusters of 12 to 40 eggs at a time on glass ,rock and leaves ,while it is a common belief that snails will over populate your pond or aquarium, this will only happen if there is a surplus of uneaten food and can be a good indication of over feeding.

Snails Manage Algae

Ramshorn snails go around the edges of your pond / Tank; they eat algae off the bottom, rocks, and sides. Ramshorn snails are also friendly to plants, meaning they will clean the stems and leaves without eating or damaging the actual plant. Indeed, they will only eat decaying plants. Colours vary but normally dark in colour.

Furthermore, Ramshorn snails are careful when it comes to grazing algae of a plant. Indeed, many are found of Ramshorn snails because they do not harm the plants in the pond; they merely scavenge around the stems and edges whilst only actively feeding on decaying plants.

Snails Reduce Levels Of Ammonia

Ammonia is an invisible killer for your pond / Tank. It is highly toxic and harmful to your fish. As such, it is better not to leave this hazard unchecked. But how does ammonia even enter your pond / Tank, to begin with?

In short, ammonia, a compound made of nitrogen and hydrogen, is released into the pond through waste. More specifically, it is spread through the breakdown of organic material. This includes various forms of waste and dirt, such as fish excrement, leftover food, dead plants, and decaying algae.

The Nitrogen Cycle

The Nitrogen cycle refers to the process that transforms ammonia into nitrate, which is eventually used to grow plants in your tank. However, a high level of nitrate in your pond will be harmful to the fish. Therefore, it is advised to clean the water and reduce the amount of nitrate in your pond.

As snails assist in reducing waste, thereby cleaning water overall, they indeed are a plus when it comes to safeguarding a healthy nitrogen cycle. Although snails can surely not take up the job themselves, they are natural and convenient little helpers nonetheless.

Average Size

Your snails will be a average of 5mm . These grow on average to around 2cm. While there are instances where this species has exceeded this, it’s quite rare. There are a number of factors that influence the size of this species. The main ones are water quality, diet, and how well they were raised or bred before you got them. 

In short, freshwater snails are great for the ecosystem of your pond / Tank. As such, Ramshorn snails keep your water clean, take out the trash, eat organic leftovers, scrub the surface bottom, manage algae, and reduce levels of ammonia. A must in pond or tank.

Allow 10 snails per m². 

Acclimation On Arrival - When your snails arrive, we advise that you float the snails in your tank / pond to allow them to adjust to your pond / tank’s temperature after their time in the post, slowly adding your pond / tank water until the snails are fully submerged. Please allow the snails up to 24 hours in your pond /tank once acclimated to emerge from their shells.