Can Snails and Shrimp Live Together? A Complete Guide

Snails and shrimp are two popular choices for freshwater aquariums. But can these two seemingly different creatures live together? The short answer is yes! Snails and shrimp can coexist in harmony in the same tank when set up properly. In fact, they can provide mutual benefits for each other.

In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about keeping snails and shrimp together, including:

• Compatibility and behavior of snails and shrimp
• The benefits of combining them
• Best types of snails for shrimp tanks
• How to remove unwanted snails
• Setup and maintenance tips

Are Snails and Shrimp Compatible Tankmates?

Snails and shrimp have several similarities that make them appropriate tankmates

• Peaceful nature. Neither shrimp nor snails are aggressive. They mostly keep to themselves.

• Bottom dwellers. Both tend to spend most of their time on the tank bottom feeding on debris, algae and biofilm. This shared habitat works.

• Low bioload. With their small size, snails and shrimp have a low impact on water parameters. A mature, cycled tank can handle both combined.

• Hardy and adaptable Shrimp and snails are not too demanding regarding water conditions

Overall, these two species coexist well due to their peaceful temperaments and similar tank requirements. Problems are unlikely provided the tank size is adequate and water quality is maintained.

Now let’s look at the advantages of this mix in more detail.

The Benefits of Adding Snails to a Shrimp Tank

Combining shrimp and snails offers several advantages for your aquarium:

• Natural clean up crew. Shrimp and snails help control algae and eat debris that could degrade water quality if allowed to accumulate. Their combined scavenging leaves little for nuisance microorganisms.

• Preventing gas pockets. Snails that burrow, like Malaysian Trumpets, aerate the substrate. This prevents toxic gas pockets that can harm shrimps’ delicate gills.

• Balancing the ecosystem. As detrivores, snails and shrimp form an important part of the aquarium’s ecosystem. Together they break down and recycle organic materials.

• Cycled environments. Snails are useful when initially cycling a new shrimp tank. They help build beneficial bacteria to remove toxins like ammonia and nitrite. Adding snails before shrimp gives the system time to mature.

• Food source. Though it sounds counterintuitive, crushed snail shells can provide supplemental calcium and protein for growing shrimp. This is an occasional treat, not a primary diet.

• Visual interest. Snails add movement and new shapes to liven up a shrimp colony. Different textures and colors make the tank more dynamic.

For these reasons, many shrimp keepers intentionally include snails in their tanks. But which kinds of snails work best?

The Best Types of Snails for a Shrimp Tank

While virtually any small peaceful snail species can cohabitate with shrimp, some are better choices. Here are top picks:

Nerite Snails

These are a favorite due to their striking patterns, small size, and reputation as voracious algae eaters. They efficiently clean up unsightly green algae. Nerites won’t reproduce in freshwater.

Ramshorn Snails

Ramshorns are excellent scavengers that won’t touch healthy plants. Their bright colors and spiral shells look interesting. They breed prolifically though, so population control is needed.

Mystery and Apple Snails

These larger snails are safe with adult shrimp. Though they sometimes nibble plants, their low reproduction rate helps prevent overpopulation. Their size also means they won’t hide easily.

Malaysian Trumpet Snails

These burrowing snails turn over the substrate to prevent toxic gas. Their conical shells and busy movements are fun to watch. Like ramshorns, they breed abundantly so numbers need control.

While most snails pose no direct danger, there are a few caveats:

• Large snails could potentially nip smaller shrimp.

• Overpopulated snails can compete for resources.

• Some snails like mysteries will eat dead or dying shrimp.

Beyond that, any issues stem from population size, not aggression. That brings us to removing excess snails…

How to Remove Unwanted Snails from a Shrimp Tank

Due to fast reproduction, ramshorn, pond, bladder, and trumpet snails can rapidly overrun a tank. Here are humane ways to thin numbers:

Reduce feeding. Don’t overfeed the tank. Uneaten food fuels snail population booms. Shrimp only need small amounts.

Remove egg clutches. Look for and remove any gel-like snail eggs laid on surfaces to prevent future generations.

Trap snails. Place blanched zucchini or a lettuce leaf in the tank overnight. Remove the vegetable in the morning with trapped snails attached.

Manually remove. Crush larger snails or remove them by hand. Use tweezers to crush small snails against hardscapes.

Assassin snails. Adding a predator like Clea helena assassins will gradually eliminate excess snails. But they could also eat shrimp in lean times once snails are gone. Use assassins temporarily only.

Avoid chemicals. Never use snail-killing treatments in a shrimp tank. The chemicals will likely harm or kill the shrimp as well.

Prevention is best. Quarantine and inspect new plants or hardscape to avoid hitchhiking snails. Starting with just a few snails gives you greater control over population growth.

Snail and Shrimp Tank Setup Tips

When keeping snails and shrimp together, here are some recommendations:

• Tank size: A 10 gallon or larger aquarium provides adequate space for both species. Anything under 5 gallons is too confining.

• Planted tank: Live plants give surface area for biofilm grazing and help control algae. They also aid the nitrogen cycle to process waste efficiently.

• Maturing setup: Allow at least 4 weeks for a new tank to fully cycle before adding shrimp. Introducing snails earlier is fine since they are more tolerant.

• Substrate: A fine sand or soil substrate allows snails to burrow. It is also easy for shrimp to sift through while foraging.

• Decor: Include smooth hardscapes like rocks, driftwood and ceramics for algae grazing. Avoid sharp-edged or rough decor that could damage snail foot tissue or shrimp legs and antennae.

• Filtration: Use a quality filter appropriate for tank size. A hang-on-back or canister filter with biological media supports the nitrogen cycle.

• Water parameters: Ideal water conditions vary slightly between shrimp and snail species. Target the mid-range parameters that suit both. Perform regular partial water changes.

• Supplements: Supplement foods or the water column with calcium and minerals to support healthy snail shells and shrimp molting.

Lighting: Moderate lighting deters heavy algae growth. Allow 8-12 hours per day.

Following these best practices when setting up a snail and shrimp community will lead to success.

Snails and Shrimp: An Ideal Mix for Freshwater Tanks

Together shrimp and snails form a natural clean up crew that helps maintain water quality. Snails also recycle waste and prevent toxic gases while shrimp eat algae and scavenge for food.

Choose suitable small species like nerites, ramshorns or mystery snails and control their reproduction. Avoid overstocking and overfeeding to keep the balance. Maintain excellent water quality through filtration and frequent partial water changes.

Then sit back and enjoy the antics of your shrimp colony and busy snails interacting together! This combo makes for an active, interesting display. An established ecosystem with healthy snails and shrimp is pleasing to both the aquarist and tank inhabitants.