
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Indoplanorbis exustus
An air-breathing freshwater snail with a flat, discoid coiled shell 5-25mm across. Widely distributed across the tropics and highly tolerant, it is notable as an intermediate host for trematode parasites.
Indoplanorbis exustus is an air-breathing freshwater snail of the ram's horn family Bulinidae and the only extant species in its genus. As in all planorbids, the shell is sinistrally coiled but is carried upside down so that it appears dextral; it is discoid with rapidly widening whorls, each higher than it is wide. The shell is 5-25mm across and 4.5-13mm high. The range covers Iran, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, central Asia, Arabia and Africa, with the type locality in marshes on the Malabar coast of south-western India. Records from Oman, Socotra, Nigeria and the Ivory Coast are attributed to recent human introduction. Its invasiveness and ecological tolerance make it significant in veterinary and medical science, and its most important property is that it serves as an intermediate host for several trematode parasites.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Ramshorn Snail lives 1-3 years.
The Ramshorn Snail grows to Shell width 5-25mm.
Origin
South and Southeast Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Thailand, Iran and Afghanistan)
Lifespan
1-3 years
Size
Shell width 5-25mm
Temperature
22〜28℃
Sources: Wikipedia (Indoplanorbis exustus) / WoRMS
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Indoplanorbis exustus (Deshayes, 1833)
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Algae, biofilm, decaying plants and sinking prepared foods
It needs no special equipment. Because it breathes air, leave it a route to the surface and a small air gap under the lid. It multiplies quickly, so size the tank on the assumption that numbers will rise.
It is a widely distributed and tolerant tropical snail, and the basic requirement is to avoid strongly acidic water, which erodes the shell.
Peaceful and harmless to other animals. Do not house it with snail-eating fish or with assassin snails. Where numbers get out of hand, removing them by hand is the reliable method, since chemical treatments also harm other invertebrates.
It grazes algae and biofilm from glass and stones and consumes decaying plants. If food runs short it may nibble soft aquatic plants, so supplement with a little sinking food.
It multiplies readily in the aquarium. Invasive and highly tolerant, it builds up fast where conditions suit it, so remove animals promptly and regularly if you do not want more.
It is a known intermediate host for several trematode parasites, so wash your hands after handling the snails or the water, and never release it into outdoor waters. It is highly invasive and has established itself where introduced. It is not listed by CITES.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The average lifespan of Ramshorn Snail is 1-3 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Ramshorn Snail typically reaches Shell width 5-25mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Ramshorn Snail feeds on: Algae, biofilm, decaying plants and sinking prepared foods. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Ramshorn Snail varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026