Marisa cornuarietis
Linnaeus, 1758

Columbian Ramshorn Snail, Giant Ramshorn Snail

Above: A Columbian Ramshorn Snail. Photo by Sam Borstein.

Intro:

The Columbian Ramshorn Snail is a popular aquarium snail. Although it is called a Ramshorn it is actually related to Apple Snails. This midsize snail is larger than a Ramshorn but smaller than an Apple Snail offering the aquarist a nice middle ground.

Distribution:

Columbian Ramshorn Snails are found through South America.

Size, Maturity, and Sexual Dimorphism:

Size: 3 inches
Maturity: 2 inches

Care:

Columbian Ramshorn Snails are easy to care for and really require little care. They will climb the glass and tank ornaments searching for food. Harder water is better. Be careful not to put them with fish like large cichlids or other aggressive fish as the fish may try to eat them or pick at the antennae.

Diet:

This snail eats just about anything, including algae and dead organisms. This snail eats a fair amount of algae, which is nice. Plants are left alone and will not be eaten.

Breeding:

Columbian Ramshorn Snails breed easily. These snails are non-hermaphrodites, which is nice as they tend to breed less than some other aquarium snails and a manageable population can be kept. The eggs are seen on the glass, plant leaves, or hard objects in the tank in a disk shaped cluster. They hatch and the tiny little snails grow quickly and require no special care and can be raised in the tank.

Conclusion:

Columbian Ramshorn Snails are common in pet shops and are a nice addition. They will not over run your tank and will do a good job of keeping it clean.