Chinese ramshorn snail (Gyraulus chinensis) care guide

Group
Snails
Other names
Chinese gyraulus, Asian ramshorn snail, Gyraulus snail, Pest ramshorn
Family
Planorbidae
Origin
Asia; recorded in greenhouses and aquariums in Britain, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic
Water
freshwater
Care level
beginner

Care

Gyraulus chinensis is a tiny ramshorn snail from Asia, a member of the Planorbidae. Its flat, coiled shell is only a few millimetres across, much smaller than the ornamental ramshorns (Planorbella) sold in red and blue forms. In Britain it has been recorded as a 'hothouse alien', living in heated glasshouses and aquariums. Our sources have little on this species; the figures are general guidance, not from a source. How it arrives: as eggs or babies on aquatic plants, moss and decorations from other tanks or nurseries. It is one of the commonest hitchhiker snails in planted tanks. Pest or helper: it is harmless to fish and shrimp and grazes algae and biofilm, so many keepers are happy to have a few. Numbers rise when there is excess food. To keep it in check, feed less, trap snails on a slice of blanched vegetable overnight, add assassin snails where other snails are not wanted, and dip or quarantine new plants. It should not be released outside, and tank water should not be emptied into waterways. Copper: copper-based medicines and some plant fertilisers are toxic to shrimp, snails and most other invertebrates. Never dose them in a tank holding this animal, and read the label of any treatment, fertiliser or algae remover before use. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gyrauluschinensis). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Grazes biofilm, soft algae and detritus and finishes leftover food. No special feeding is needed.

Breeding

Like other ramshorns it is a hermaphrodite that lays small jelly egg clusters on plants and glass, and it can multiply quickly in a well-fed tank.

Compatibility and tank mates

Harmless to fish, shrimp and plants. Eaten by assassin snails, loaches, puffers and many larger fish.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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