Tankwise

A large, peaceful snail that grazes algae and is easy to keep in harder water.

  • Temperature20–28 °C
  • pH7–8.4
  • Minimum tank40 L
  • DifficultyBeginner
FoodAlgae + veg (little extra)
FeedingRarely needs feeding
Water change25% weekly

Behaviour and habits

The mystery snail is a large, peaceful grazer that roams the tank eating algae, leftover food and detritus, and it is unusually active by day rather than only at night. It needs calcium to build a strong shell, and it may lay distinctive pink egg clusters above the waterline. Slow, harmless and interesting to watch, it is a useful cleaner and a good companion for peaceful community fish.

What to feed, and how often

It eats algae, leftover food and blanched vegetables such as courgette and spinach. Direct feeding is rarely needed, but calcium-rich foods and hard water keep the shell strong; remove any uneaten food so it does not foul the water.

Water changes and maintenance

Change about 25% weekly in hard, alkaline water, which suits it and protects the shell. Soft, acidic water erodes the shell over time, so if your water is soft, the snail may not thrive long-term.

Care and how easy it is

Easy in harder water with a lid and some calcium; keep it away from soft, acidic setups and copper treatments.

Common health problems

Shell erosion in soft, acidic water is the main issue; otherwise hardy.

If it gets sick

Keep the water hard and the pH up, provide calcium and some algae, and never use copper-based medications.

Good tank mates

BettaBeginner with a prepared single-fish tank
BettaBetta splendens
  • 24-26 C
  • pH 6.5-7.5
  • 40 L+; 45 x 30 cm base
Bettas & gouramis | Territorial | Carnivore
GuppyBeginner with population planning
GuppyPoecilia reticulata
  • 22-26 C
  • pH 7.0-8.5
  • 60 L+; 60 x 30 cm base
Livebearers | Social; males pursue females | Omnivore
PlatyBeginner
PlatyXiphophorus maculatus
  • 20–26°C
  • pH 7–8.2
  • 50 L+
Livebearers · Peaceful · Omnivore
MollyBeginner
MollyPoecilia sphenops
  • 22–28°C
  • pH 7–8.5
  • 70 L+
Livebearers · Peaceful · Omnivore

Best avoided with

Similar species

BettaBeginner with a prepared single-fish tank
BettaBetta splendens
  • 24-26 C
  • pH 6.5-7.5
  • 40 L+; 45 x 30 cm base
Bettas & gouramis | Territorial | Carnivore
GuppyBeginner with population planning
GuppyPoecilia reticulata
  • 22-26 C
  • pH 7.0-8.5
  • 60 L+; 60 x 30 cm base
Livebearers | Social; males pursue females | Omnivore
PlatyBeginner
PlatyXiphophorus maculatus
  • 20–26°C
  • pH 7–8.2
  • 50 L+
Livebearers · Peaceful · Omnivore
MollyBeginner
MollyPoecilia sphenops
  • 22–28°C
  • pH 7–8.5
  • 70 L+
Livebearers · Peaceful · Omnivore

Compare at a glance

ParametersMystery snailBettaGuppyPlaty
Parameters
Temp20–28 °C24–28 °C22–28 °C20–26 °C
pH7–8.46–7.56.8–87–8.2
GH6–20 °dGH2–12 °dGH8–20 °dGH10–25 °dGH
Min. tank40 L20 L40 L50 L
Size5 cm6 cm5 cm6 cm
DietOmnivoreCarnivoreOmnivoreOmnivore
TemperamentPeacefulSemi-aggressivePeacefulPeaceful
DifficultyBeginnerBeginnerBeginnerBeginner

Care guides

GuideThe Best Beginner Aquarium PlantsLive plants are not hard — some are almost unkillable. These easy, low-light species use up waste, look natural and give fish cover, with no special equipment.GuideHow Often Should You Change Aquarium Water?Water changes remove waste that the filter cannot, and keep minerals topped up. There is no single number, but there is a simple way to find yours.GuideHow Often Should You Feed Fish?Overfeeding causes more aquarium problems than underfeeding. Here is a realistic feeding routine, and the signs that you are giving too much.

New to the words? See the aquarium glossary.

Sources and research notes

Parameters are typical ranges for the species in home aquariums and vary with the individual fish and the water you use.