Care specifications
| Type | Snail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Medium |
| Max size | 3 in |
| Lifespan | 1–3 years |
| Temperature | 72–82 °F |
| pH | 7–8 |
| General hardness | 8–15 dGH |
| Calcium needs | High |
| Minimum tank size | 10 gallons |
| Diet | Detritus, Biofilm, Algae, Sinking wafers |
| Roles | Scavenger |
| Plant safe | Yes |
| Betta compatible | Yes |
| Breeds in freshwater | No |
| Population growth | None |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
Brackish water note: Stenomelania larvae need brackish water to develop, so chopstick snails never establish a population in a freshwater tank.
Get Chopstick Snail
In-stock alternatives with similar needs
Frequently asked questions
My chopstick snail has been buried for a week — is it dead?
Probably not. Burying for days at a time is normal behavior, especially after introduction. Check at night with a flashlight when they surface to feed; a foul smell is the only reliable death signal.
Do chopstick snails need sand, or is gravel okay?
Sand, genuinely. Burrowing is how they feed, hide, and stay calm, and on gravel they stay exposed, stressed, and underfed. Even a sand zone covering a third of the tank floor makes the difference.
Chopstick Snail appears in
Plants that pair well with Chopstick Snail
Planting the same tank?
Browse the aquarium plant database — verified light, CO2, and height data for every species — or let the plant finder rank them against your exact setup.