| While aquariums are generally known as homes | | | | There are quite a few varieties available for |
| for fish there are other creatures suitable to live | | | | consideration. The large yellow snails often seen in |
| along side them. Aquatic snails are sometimes | | | | pet stores are golden mystery snails. They will |
| kept for their ability to clean the tank and also | | | | eat both algae and food scraps making them |
| just as a pet. There are a number of different | | | | useful all round. Malaysian trumpet snails are also |
| varieties kept which have differing properties for | | | | omnivorous but can be especially useful for |
| fish enthusiasts to consider. All varieties are | | | | attacking filamentous hair algae. For marine tanks |
| relatively simple to care for in a community tank. | | | | there are the cerith and vibex species. Many |
| A snail will generally cause no disturbance to fish | | | | marine tanks use a combination of both as a snail |
| species. They will eat any fish eggs they find but | | | | cleaner crew. |
| this is the only physical threat they pose. Disease | | | | Of course some aquarium snails are kept for their |
| and parasites can potentially be spread which is | | | | value as a pet. Many are decorative and pleasing |
| why it is best to source them from other | | | | to observe. Spixi snails are an interesting species |
| aquariums rather than in the wild. | | | | with a spiral of color twining around the shell. Red |
| Snails can themselves be predated upon by fish | | | | ramshorn snails are also eye catching with their |
| however. While most fish will not bother them | | | | bright crimson bodies. |
| some larger species may try and eat them. | | | | With a shell made of calcium snails can be |
| Clown and skunk loaches are examples of such | | | | affected by acidic water. It can literally etch away |
| fish. Some cichlids will also pick at the odd snail | | | | at the shell resulting in a hole. For this reason the |
| when hungry. | | | | aquarium water should be kept above neutral and |
| The ability of these creatures to clean is well | | | | perhaps hardened using calcium carbonate. |
| known by experienced fish keepers. Both algae | | | | Supplemental feeding in addition to the food found |
| and stray food will be consumed by aquatic snails | | | | in the tank may not be required. It can in fact be |
| as they would in a natural pond. These feeding | | | | a symptom of overfeeding if the snail numbers |
| habitats can save time on maintenance by | | | | multiply to plague proportions. |
| relieving you of these chores. | | | | |