10 Colorful Snails for the Shrimp Aquarium | [Snail Master List]
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! Snails are actually the perfect option to add a little extra life to your shrimp tank.
Keep reading for a list of 10 of our personal favorite snail species to keep in a shrimp aquarium!
Table of Contents
Golden rabbit snail (Tylomelania gemmifera)

Only found in a select few lakes on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, golden rabbit snails (scientifically known as Tylomelania gemmifera) 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.
Golden rabbit snails are characterized by their elongated shell and golden body. They're among the more commonly found rabbit snail species in the aquarium trade, but they're not the only ones! A bunch of different members of the genus Tylomelania has made it into the hobby, and that's not surprising. They're relatively easy to care for, active, interesting to look at, and don't breed quickly enough to overrun your tank.
Mystery snail (Pomacea diffusa)

The mystery snail is one of the most popular aquarium snails in the hobby right now. It's also the biggest species on the list, growing to the size of a golf ball—around 2.5"! Originally from South America, mystery snails come in many different colors. They're shrimp-safe and easy to breed, but unlikely to overrun your tank.
You can keep a mystery snail in a tank of 10 gallons or up, counting 2 extra gallons for each additional specimen. Although they don't eat algae like some of the other snails on this list, you'll enjoy their active behavior and seeing them zoom around the tank inspecting everything with their long antennae.
Ramshorn snail (family Planorbidae)

Ramshorn snails are quite nice to look at as far as snails go, with flat, coiled shells and long antennae. Aquarists tend to either love them or hate them: they breed quickly and can overrun a tank, but they're also fun to keep in your aquarium and come in loads of different color morphs.
There are many different ramshorn species. Most of them grow to a maximum size of around 1.5", making them suitable for tanks of 5 gallons and up. They'll help keep your tank clean by feeding on algae, detritus, and leftover food.
Did you know? The term "ramshorn snail" is used very loosely. It usually refers to snails of the family Planorbidae, like Planorbella duryi and Planorbarius corneus. However, there's also a species known as the giant ramshorn snail that belongs to the mystery snail family, Ampullariidae. Its scientific name is Marisa cornuarietis and it's also sometimes kept in the aquarium.
Zebra nerite snail (Vittina natalensis)

The common name "nerite snail" is applied to various snails in the family Neritidae, which inhabit marine, brackish, and freshwater. The species we refer to as the zebra nerite snail in the aquarium hobby is scientifically known as Vittina natalensis—not to be confused with the similar Vitta zebra, which is actually a saltwater snail.
Nerites are among the most decorative snails you can keep in your tank. Zebra nerites are no exception, with olive to yellow base coloration interspersed with beautifully geometric stripes. Their small size (max. 1") makes them suitable for small aquariums, and because they need brackish water to reproduce, there's no risk of them overrunning your tank. Oh, and they eat loads of algae, too!
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, counting around a gallon of water volume for each one. Be sure to leave some algae growing on the glass panes of the tank from time to time—your red racers will thank you!
Assassin snail (Clea helena)

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 (minimum water volume 5 gallons).
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 you keep fast-breeding dwarf shrimp like Neocaridina, though, you should be fine.
Chocolate rabbit snail (Tylomelania zemis)

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.
Black racer nerite snail (Neritina pulligera)

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 racer 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.
Horned nerite snail (Clithon corona & Clithon diadema)

The common name of "horned nerite" 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, especially with those funky shell spikes!
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.
Black devil snail (Faunus ater)

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 genus Tylomelania! 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".
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.