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Hercules Snail (Brotia herculea)

The Hercules snail is one of the largest freshwater snails in the hobby — a four-inch armored tower from fast Burmese rivers — and that origin is the care sheet: it wants cooler water, strong flow, and high oxygen, not a warm still betta bowl. Given current and enough food it is a hardy, long-lived centerpiece grazer. Purple-striped and white forms are color variants of the same species.

Care specifications

TypeSnail
DifficultyMedium
Max size4 in
Lifespan2–5 years
Temperature68–78 °F
pH7–8
General hardness8–15 dGH
Calcium needsHigh
Minimum tank size20 gallons
DietAlgae, Biofilm, Detritus, Sinking wafers, Blanched vegetables
RolesScavenger, Showpiece, Algae eater
Plant safeYes
Betta compatibleYes
Breeds in freshwaterYes
Population growthSlow
TemperamentPeaceful

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Hercules Snail

2 Giant Tower Cap Snails (Brotia herculea)

$18.99 In stock

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Frequently asked questions

Why is my hercules snail always sitting at the surface?

It is gasping. Brotia come from oxygen-rich flowing rivers, and a snail constantly riding the waterline is telling you the tank is too warm or too still. Drop the temperature toward the low 70s and add an air stone or stronger filter output — this is the single most common way these snails are lost.

Will hercules snails breed in my aquarium?

Occasionally. They are livebearers that release small numbers of well-developed young, but successful reproduction in captivity is uncommon and never resembles a pest outbreak. If you find a tiny tower-shaped baby, consider it a sign you are doing things right.

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.