Wandering pond snail (Radix balthica) care guide

Group

Snails

Other names

Ampullaceana balthica, Lymnaea ovata, Radix ovata, Radix peregra (often confused), Lymnaea peregra (often confused), Wandering snail

Family

Lymnaeidae

Origin

Europe and much of Eurasia; native to Britain

Water

freshwater

Maximum size

2.5 cm

Temperature

4–22°C

pH

7–8.5

Hardness

8–20 dGH, 4–12 dKH

Minimum tank

20 litres

Care level

beginner

Lifespan

1–2 years

Care

The wandering pond snail is a common European pond snail with a thin, ear-shaped shell that has a very large opening and a short spire, usually under about 2.5 cm. The body is greyish with flat, triangular tentacles. Name note: the species is now usually placed in the genus Ampullaceana, as Ampullaceana balthica; Lymnaea ovata and Radix ovata are older names, and it has long been confused with Radix peregra (Lymnaea peregra). Native species: it is native to Britain and found in ponds, lakes, rivers and ditches across the country. It needs a coldwater (unheated) tank or pond and does not do well long-term in warm tropical tanks. Do not collect it from the wild where that is not allowed; it often arrives anyway on pond plants. Set-up: an unheated tank, pond or tub with plants. It breathes air at the surface as well as through its skin and will climb out of an uncovered tank. Hard, alkaline water keeps its thin shell healthy. Role: it grazes algae, biofilm and decaying plant matter, so it is a useful coldwater cleaner. Large numbers may nibble soft or dying plants. Our sources have little on this species; the figures are general guidance, not from a source. Copper: copper-based medicines and some plant fertilisers are toxic to shrimp, snails and most invertebrates. Never dose copper in a tank holding this animal, and check fertiliser and medicine labels before use. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radixbalthica). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Grazes algae and biofilm and eats decaying leaves, leftover fish food and soft plant material. Supplement with blanched lettuce or spinach and sinking pellets if algae is scarce.

Breeding

A hermaphrodite: every snail has male and female organs, and two snails are normally needed to mate, although self-fertilisation can occur. It lays clear, jelly-like egg masses on plants, stones and glass, and the young hatch as tiny snails in fresh water after a few weeks, with no larval stage. It breeds easily in spring and summer and can become numerous in a tank. In the wild it is a host for some parasites of birds and livestock, which is another reason to use tank-bred or plant-shop snails rather than collecting them.

Compatibility and tank mates

Peaceful with coldwater fish such as minnows and sticklebacks, shrimp and other snails. Eaten by larger fish, loaches and leeches. Usually leaves healthy plants alone but may damage tender ones when numerous.

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