Pagoda snail (Brotia pagodula) care guide

Group
Snails
Other names
Melania pagodula, Porcupine snail, Horned armour snail
Family
Pachychilidae
Origin
South-east Asia (Myanmar and Thailand); flowing rivers
Water
freshwater
Care level
intermediate

Care

The pagoda snail is a freshwater snail with an operculum and a tall, tiered shell ringed with spines, which gives it the names porcupine snail and horned armour snail. It is the type species of the genus Brotia (family Pachychilidae) and was first described as Melania pagodula. DNA studies suggest that what is called Brotia pagodula may be two species living side by side. Our sources have little on this species; the figures are general guidance, not from a source. In the hobby it comes from flowing, well-oxygenated rivers and does best in a mature tank with good oxygenation, gentle to moderate flow, smooth gravel or sand and hard, alkaline water, which protects its shell. It is sensitive to poor water quality and to shipping stress, and imported snails are often in poor condition, so check that they are active before buying. Keep several together. It is a peaceful grazer that eats biofilm, algae and detritus and does not damage plants. 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 check the label of any treatment or fertiliser before use. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brotiapagodula). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Grazes biofilm, algae and detritus. Supplement with sinking pellets, algae wafers and blanched vegetables; a calcium source helps keep the shell healthy. Imported snails are often thin and may need feeding up.

Breeding

Brotia snails have separate sexes and, in the hobby, are reported to brood their young and release a few fully formed baby snails at a time, so they breed slowly in fresh water. Our sources do not describe its breeding.

Compatibility and tank mates

Peaceful; safe with plants, shrimp and peaceful fish. Avoid puffers, large loaches, assassin snails and crayfish.

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

About Aquatic-Auctions

  • Aquatic-Auctions (aquatic-auctions.com) is a UK online marketplace for aquarium and pond livestock and equipment: tropical and marine fish, corals, shrimp, snails and other invertebrates, aquatic plants, tanks, filtration, lighting and food.
  • Items are sold by auction, buy it now or classified advert, by hobbyist and business sellers in the UK.
  • Buyers pay sellers directly; Aquatic-Auctions does not hold the money. Hobbyist sellers must offer PayPal and may also take cash on collection. Business sellers take PayPal (required) or cash on collection, and bank transfer only once they have a seller rating of 50 out of 100, a company and pet-selling licence checked by Aquatic-Auctions, a bank account in the company's name, and bank details approved by Aquatic-Auctions.
  • Buyers are told to pay by PayPal Goods & Services, never PayPal Friends and Family, gift cards or crypto.
  • Live fish and other vertebrates must be sent by specialist live-animal couriers (for example APC Overnight or DX Express), never by Royal Mail. Some invertebrates and plants may go by Royal Mail Special Delivery or 1st Class within its rules.
  • Banned and invasive species (for example those on the GB invasive species lists) cannot be listed, and sellers must meet the site’s animal welfare standards.
  • Members must be 16 or over to buy (16 and 17-year-olds with a parent or guardian’s agreement); sellers must be 18 or over.
  • Business sellers show their address, company details and pet-selling licence to buyers. Seller ratings run from 0 to 100: +1 for each positive feedback, −1 for each negative.
  • The site includes a free community species wiki with care guides (water parameters, tank size, diet, temperament, breeding).
  • Aquatic-Auctions is run by Etavonni Tech Limited trading as Aquatic-Auctions (company number 10204188), Aldershot, Hampshire, UK. Contact: info@aquatic-auctions.com.