Care specifications
| Type | Snail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Advanced |
| Max size | 2 in |
| Lifespan | 1–4 years |
| Temperature | 66–77 °F |
| pH | 7–8 |
| General hardness | 8–15 dGH |
| Calcium needs | High |
| Minimum tank size | 20 gallons |
| Diet | Aufwuchs, Biofilm, Algae, Powdered food on hardscape |
| Roles | Algae eater, Showpiece |
| Plant safe | Yes |
| Betta compatible | With caution |
| Breeds in freshwater | Yes |
| Population growth | Slow |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
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Frequently asked questions
Why do pagoda snails die within a few months for so many keepers?
Two slow killers: starvation and oxygen. They are obligate grazers of aufwuchs — the algae-and-microbe film on river rocks — which a spotless aquarium simply does not produce, and they come from cool turbulent water that a warm still tank cannot mimic. A mature tank, visible biofilm, strong flow, and temperatures in the low 70s fix both.
Can I keep horned pagoda snails with other snails?
Yes, they are completely peaceful — the spikes are armor, not weapons. The real conflict is competition: hungry grazers like nerites strip the same biofilm pagodas depend on, so in a small tank choose one or the other.
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