If you've been keeping ornamental shrimp for a while, you'll know that due to their size and lack of natural defense mechanisms, it's best to keep most varieties alone. They're so small that almost all other aquarium inhabitants consider them an easy snack! But does that mean there are no potential shrimp tankmates out there at all? No! Aside from some crayfish and crabs, snails are actually the perfect option to add a little extra life to your shrimp tank.

Keep reading for a list of 6 of our personal favorite snail species to keep in a shrimp aquarium!

Yellow rabbit snail (Tylomelania sp.)

Only found in a select few lakes on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, yellow rabbit snails from the genus Tylomelania are perfect for shrimp tanks over 10 gallons. They're especially popular as tankmates for Sulawesi shrimp like the blue leg poso, with which they share their natural habitat.

Yellow rabbit snails are characterized by their elongated shell and golden body, although there are also black and spotted Tylomelania varieties. They haven't really been properly scientifically described yet, which is why they're usually just collectively referred to as "rabbit snails". All members of the genus are peaceful, eat detritus and reproduce slowly enough to not become problematic in the aquarium.

Horned nerite snail

Although they're referred to as nerites, horned nerite snails are actually members of the genus Clithon, not Neritina. The common name is used for two different species that are pretty similar in appearance: Clithon corona and Clithon diadema. Both are perfect for your shrimp tank, as they don't reproduce in freshwater and are fantastic algae eaters. Additionally, they're polymorphic, which means each snail looks different. Quite cool!

You can keep horned nerite snails in your shrimp tanks from 5 gallons and up, as they stay small. For more information about this pointy-shelled species, have a look at our full horned nerite care guide.

Red racer nerite snail

Another "nerite" that's not really a nerite! Red racer snails are scientifically known as Vittina waigiensis, but they come with all the same advantages as members of the genus Neritina. They're small but have very decorative shells, have an appetite for algae and are unable to breed in freshwater. What more could we ask for in our shrimp tanks?

You can keep these aquatic snails in an aquarium of 5 gallons or up. And don't forget: you can buy red racer nerite snails online at The Shrimp Farm.

Assassin snail

The assassin snail (Clea helena, formerly Anentome helena) is the odd one out when it comes to aquarium snails. Rather than peacefully feeding on algae, biofilm and detritus, this species actively hunts other snails! They're a solution popularly used by aquarists looking to get rid of a pest snail infestation in their tanks.

It goes without saying that you shouldn't keep assassin snails in an aquarium that also houses other ornamental snails. Unfortunately, there's always a risk of them ending up being cannibalized. Opinions vary on whether assassins are 100% shrimp-safe, but it's probably not out of the question for one to pick off the occasional baby shrimp. If your shrimp stock is very expensive we would recommend choosing one of the other species on this list. If you keep fast-breeding dwarf shrimp like Neocaridina, though, you should be fine.

You can buy assassin snails online at The Shrimp Farm. The species is suitable for aquariums of 5 gallons and up.

Black racer nerite snail

Another nerite makes the list, and this time it's a "genuine" one! Many species were moved from Neritina to other genera in later years (like the aforementioned red racer and horned nerite snails). The black-capped nerite, however, is still a true member of the genus. Scientifically known as Neritina pulligera, in aquarium circles it's also sometimes called the black military helmet snail. This is a reference to its smooth and shiny brownish to greyish-black shell.

Like other nerites, the black racer can be kept in aquariums of 5 gallons or up. The species is an avid algae eater and doesn't reproduce in freshwater. You can read more in the full black racer nerite snail care guide!

Black devil snail

You may think we're discussing another rabbit snail here, but the black devil snail is actually scientifically known as Faunus ater. This means they're not a member of the Tylomelania family! Their shells are shaped similarly, which can be confusing, but the difference is in the Faunus snails lacking shell ridges. Their shells are smooth and very dark brown, usually ending in a lighter brown point. The species' body is black, sometimes with a few white dots.

What we like about the black devil snail is that these guys are very active, always zooming about the aquarium. Unfortunately they don't eat algae, but the species does have a taste for detritus. There's no need to worry about population control, because they can't reproduce in freshwater. You can keep one snail per 10 gallons, since they do grow to a size of up to 3".

Chocolate rabbit snail (Tylomelania perfecta)

Let's close out the list with another rabbit snail species! The chocolate rabbit snail is characterized by its blackish-brown body and peculiar shell, which is covered with a deposit of calcium in wild-caught individuals. In the aquarium, the shell continues growing, with the new parts emerging uncovered.

As with other rabbit snail species, you can keep this one in aquarium of 10 gallons or up. They're peaceful and although they don't eat algae, they do consume detritus. Aquarium plants should be left alone. You can buy chocolate rabbit snails online at The Shrimp Farm!

A note about water parameters

Aquatic snails don't fare well in water that's too low in terms of pH and hardness. Overly acidic water can cause their shells to deteriorate and they need plenty of minerals in order to successfully grow the shell. If you keep your shrimp in very soft and acidic water, any snails may not live as long as they otherwise would have.

Be sure to offer calcium-rich foods, something your shrimp will also appreciate. The GlasGarten brand offers a special Mineral Junkie food that should work well for snails.

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