There are many variations and types of rabbit snails, ranging in color and appearance. There are a few different types of snails that can live with betta fish, but not all of them are created equal. The shells of hatchling snails are soft enough for a betta fish to chew in their mouth. *whew*, My little nerite loves to explore in fact I found him hanging upside down on the tank lid he also got in my filter right now he's in my tower if you want to know more you can see his thread although it has more about my betta then him. But bettas are an aggressive species, especially against other fish. Adding a snail to your bettas tank can often seem like a great idea. Secondly, even if your Betta is interested in eating snails, theyre not likely to be able to eat a full-grown adult snail. Then go about their business. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. They'll even go after micro organisms growing on plant roots and stems that many people . However, there are ways to prevent these carnivorous fish from attacking a snail. When introducing a snail to a betta tank, adding the right one is paramount. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Youre good to go as long as tank conditions are ideal for your snail, which includes the same ph suitable for Malaysian trumpet snails. You can get nerite snails for your betta tank, but they will also reproduce quite a lot. Thus, its essential to maintain a steady pH and temperature level to ensure the survival of the snail.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,100],'aquariumlabs_com-leader-2','ezslot_8',140,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aquariumlabs_com-leader-2-0'); Nerites are beautiful, and they come in a variety of different colors and patterns. Everything You Need To Know. It is not uncommon to come across Betta flaring at a snail or incidents where someones Betta ate snail antenna for lunch. Betta Care Fish Guide is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Well, it is not that simple to eat snails that are larger. Bettas, or any fish for that matter, find it harder to gobble a larger snail than a small one. We respect your privacy. However, this is very rare and is not something you need to worry about. . In a lot of cases, once your betta becomes more used to the snails in your tank, then they will often stop attacking them. Two, Bettas are voracious eaters when they choose to be. I agree thats why I asked exactly what the Betta did to the snail but no response but thats ok. If you want to have a carnivore snail to control your existing snail population, look no further than the assassin snail. I've heard of bettas eating baby snails, shell and all. you can check what it covers and a sneak peak here. If youre looking for a way to control algae or keep your tank clean, adding a few snails is a great way to do it. Apple snails are interesting-looking snails that can make your betta fish tank more lively and interesting. Larger species of snails are a better option for betta fish, as they are too big to seem like an appealing meal for bettas. Betta fish and snails can be kept in the same aquarium, but your betta is likely to eat some of them. This size tank can house five to 15 large snails. However, the possible negative of keeping turret snails is that they breed quickly, and you might have unwanted snails in your tank. If you are worried about your betta fish eating snails in the aquarium, it is better to choose snails that are larger and avoid keeping hatchling snails in the same tank as betta fish. One thing you can do is to manually remove them from the tank. They are also active snails, so they will provide some movement and interest in the tank. Mystery Snails have plenty of color variants, so you can find one that matches your bettas coloration. But Im going to Petco today so I might buy a small tank anyway. Malaysian trumpet snails are also one of the most popular snail species out there. I also feed mine about 5 betta bites a day and feed bloodworms every few days or so. Remove Your Snail If all else fails, the best thing you can do is remove your snail from the tank. As a result, it's crucial to make an effort to get larger snails. Youll simply have to be observant and take all necessary precautions. Featured Image Credit: ANURAK PONGPATIMET, Shutterstock, 7 Causes of Aggressive Goldfish Behavior & How to Stop It, Goldfish Growth: Average Size & How Big They Can Get, Is Your Goldfish Turning White? Keeping mystery snails isnt complex as long as theyre adequately fed. If you dont want your snail population to get out of control, you can either remove the eggs or keep a close eye on your snail population and remove the extra snails as needed. However, they can still survive below a pH of 7. JavaScript is disabled. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'aquariumlabs_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_19',147,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aquariumlabs_com-narrow-sky-1-0'); Tiny snails are more likely to be eaten by a betta than large ones. All Rights Reserved. You can also try rearranging the tank as well. Another tip for the peaceful coexistence of betta fish and snails is to buy hardy snails. Betta fish will eat hatchling snails as these snails are small and soft enough to fit into their mouths. Most snail fishes will eat algae, dead plants, and fish. Assassin snails prefer eating meat, but they can also survive on a diet of algae and plants. The content of this website is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Hepper.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. So, they are perfectly suited to the conditions that the bettas live in, so they are a good addition to the tank. Bettas prefer foods of animal origin, such as daphnia, bloodworms, and brine shrimp, and they like to feed on the surface. They like warm water with a higher pH than most. By adding a few different types of snails to your tank, you can create a well-rounded team that will be able to keep your aquarium clean and free of algae. Just like mystery snails, theyre pretty small and they dont bother bettas. If your snails are smaller than the Betta, then providing a small trap door or plants, or something similar can keep it safe when a Betta attacks. Earlier last week, I started trying guppy fry as live food for him (as per the suggestion of some here) and within 24 hours, he ate them. I dont want him to stay stressed for too long, I was taking care of this one betta who I found to be a snurderer (snail murderer). This also explains why the primary Betta feed you get in stores is sourced from animal protein. Theyre peaceful and easy to care for, and theyre good at eating algae. I, too, have had the pea recommendation from betta lovers. Let's see if someone else has a better answer, sorry. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links. I have those types of nerites in a 75 gal with S/A. Rowangel, bettas are insectivores, veggies (you suggested peas) probably give very little benifit to them, and should not be a regular part of thier diet; feed veggies to bettas no more then about once every three months, preferably less. Ivory snails are perhaps less common than some of the others on this list, but theyre still a popular choice for many snail keepers. All baby snails regardless of the species are small enough to be eaten by betta fish, so keep this in mind if you want to raise baby snails in the same aquarium as your betta fish. However, this doesnt mean that bettas will naturally go after snails as their preferred meal, so its essential that snails kept in the same tank as the betta are larger and better capable of defending themselves. Lets take a look at everything about bettas and snails. Rowangel, bettas are insectivores, veggies (you suggested peas) probably give very little benifit to them, and should not be a regular part of thier diet; feed veggies to bettas no more then about once every three months, preferably less. Copyright 2023 - SmartAquariumGuide. Its almost like he cant. If youre setting up a tank for the first time, place the snails in the tank first and allow them to acclimatize before introducing the betta. Lo and behold, I saw my assassin snail perched on the sponge filter. Snails and betta fish together are not usually a problem. You should be feeding your betta 1-2 pellets twice a day, as well as supplementation with live, frozen, and freeze-dried food to make sure theyre getting all the nutrients they need in their diet! 25 Fish/Critters That Can Eat Betta Food (& 2 That Dont), 8 Reasons Why Your Betta Stays At The Top Of The Tank (+Fix), 4 Reasons Why Betta Fish Spits Food Out (+ How To Fix). This means that youll need to do more frequent water changes to keep them healthy. Most snails survive in a betta aquarium, and keeping aquarium snails could help eliminate soft algae and algae wafers from forming in your betta tank. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Whether your betta is going to attack your snail or not is going to be entirely dependent on their personality. That being said, the best snails for a betta tank are mystery snails, ramshorn snails, and turret snails. In the wild, nerite snails live in brackish waters, or waters that are a mix of fresh and salt water. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. A tiny snail is nothing more than a nibble for a Betta, however they will seek for other food sources first. However, sometimes, if you have a particularly aggressive betta, theres not a lot you can do. A temperature of around 78F will suit both your Betta and your snail well. Having a snail in a betta aquarium can bring several benefits, including: Cleans algae. Since they like burrowing in the substrate, they improve aeration and even benefit your live plants. Snails can keep algae in check. Ok honestly for the snails half a gallon to 1 gallon is perfect. I got 4 marimo balls and more Java moss. This is why its important to acclimate them slowly when you add them to your tank. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Sometimes this is desirable in order to prevent the snails from spreading. Betta fish will eat hatchling snails as these snails are small and soft enough to fit into their mouths. just watched my betta charge a bladder snail, break through its shell, and thrash around with it until he had sucked the snail out. Also do you know what the Nitrogen Cycle is? The nerites I have are too big for her to hurt them. Rabbit snails like warmer water temperature, just like betta fish. O.O Wow! The number one tip I would suggest to prevent betta from attacking or eating a snail is to avoid putting them in the same tank. I may have added some seachem stresscoat for my fish but the two snails were not okay before adding the stress coat. Molly Fish and Tiger Barbs Can You Keep Them in Same Aquarium? If you liked this article, make sure you check out the rest of the website. 7 Ways To Stop Brown Algae In Your Fish Tank & 6 Causes, 4 Reasons Your Female Bettas Are Fighting (& 7 Ways To Stop, 10 Ways To Get Rid Of Snails In An Aquarium (& Why They're, How Big Do Aquarium Snails Get? Theyre also known for eating live plants, so if you have live plants in your tank, you may want to consider another snail species. Its a valid concern, after all, Bettas are carnivores and snails are definitely on the menu. However, keeping snails in the same tank with your betta is also dependent on your betta. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. I also started to notice some algae on his glass, so I put in 2 of the small pond snails . In this post, well explore whether Bettas can live with snails and other questions you may have regarding this topic. Id only drop 1 and a half of a wafer in the tank every 3 days. If youre looking for a way to make your aquarium more interesting, adding a few snails is a great way to do it. The answer is yes. Sometimes bettas will attack other tank mates because they think they are in their territory. For a limited time, only you can get bothThe Complete Guide On Caring For Betta Fish&The Ultimate Betta Tank Mate Guidefor just $14.99! Manage Settings However, this is only a sign of their curiosity, and they may not actually eat the snail. They require the same water temperature and pH as betta fish, meaning you dont have to worry about special tank treatment to meet their requirements. talk to a vet online for advice >. They will eat any algae that grows on your plants and decor, and they will also eat uneaten fish food. Dont miss out on valuable tips! A few years ago, I had a tank that I left devoid of fish after one of my Bettas passed away. Snails are grazers, and they love to eat algae. Also do you know what the. Ideal Water Parameters for Goldfish: 5 Measurements You Need to Know! Can Betta Fish Live with Snails. If you do decide to add an apple snail to your tank, make sure its a smaller one. Something to note about nerite snails is that they prefer a higher pH than Betta fish. Another benefit of having snails in your tank is that they help keep the. I ended up putting in a nerite for him, and for the first few days he would follow it very closely around the tank and occasionally try to bite it. Pond snails are good at aerating the substrate and they often burrow, which helps to keep the substrate loose. I have a sassy female betta who chases my pond snails and nerites all the time. Fish Lore is an amazon affiliate and some pages may contain links to aquarium related products on amazon: Affiliate Disclosure. By day, Kelly is a corporate analyst, but by night she's a long-time fishkeeper. Some can grow up to 6 inches, which is gigantic compared to a relatively small Betta fish. Many people think that bettas get lonely in their tank, or that the tank looks a bit bland with just the betta in it. Most bettas are noted to be curious marine animals and would likely eat anything in the tank if given a chance, so yes, bettas eat snails. However, if you are adamant about putting a snail inside a Bettas tank, there are some neat tricks I want to share to reduce the possibility of your Betta attacking snails: A 5-gallon tank is a minimum size you should consider if you want to share it between Bettas and snails. The Complete Guide On Caring For Betta Fish. These snails dont require much upkeep and will thrive under ideal tank conditions. 64K views How Bad Are Pest Snails for Your Aquarium? That being said, the best snails for a betta tank are mystery snails, ramshorn snails, and turret snails. Besides, larger snails have a better chance of protecting themselves against a betta or any other predator. Tiffin. They are a good size for betta tanks, and their diet of algae and detritus helps to keep the tank clean. One of the most common reasons people add snails to their aquarium is because they help reduce algae. Fishfur. If you have a problem with algae in your tank, adding a few snails is a great way to help keep it under control. In fact, their minimum preferred pH is already on the high end of a Bettas optimal pH range. This means that youll need to do regular water changes and be careful not to shock them when you add new water to the tank. There are some snail species that you should avoid adding to your Betta fish tank. In addition, these snails do not reproduce as quickly, which eliminates the problem of overpopulation. But if your fish has a relatively calm disposition, you can add the snail and observe its reaction. Do Snails Eat Algae In A Betta Fish Tank? A calm betta makes a good tank mate. So read on, and find out everything you need to know about keeping bettas and snails together! answer. This is because different snail species have different strengths and weaknesses. If given a chance, bettas will attempt to eat your snails as well because these fish will consume anything in your tank. So keep reading to find out. Lastly, most Bettas will only eat snails if theyre hungry. They also consume soft algae, which is good to keep your aquarium algae free. Snails are natural scavengers and are known for their ability to clean up uneaten food and waste in aquariums, including betta tanks. The best thing about these snails is that they require roughly the same tank conditions as bettas. Some aquarium catfish eat sardines, small perch shad, herring, bluegill, minnows, and other small fish species. They dont need a lot of calcium in their diet, so theyre a good choice for tanks with soft water. Hopefully, you will be able to create a nice environment of bettas and snails together. So they will try to eat anything in the tank. They have long, cone-shaped shells, and they come in many variations. Small species of snails like the nerite, ramshorn, and bladder snail are small enough to be picked on and eaten by bettas. Because Bettas are natural carnivores and prefer a diet rich in protein. I need to put a vinyl background to prevent him from seeing his reflection. But she'll follow them for several minutes and swim away. There was some brown film algae on the front of the filter box but, as you can see, it's gone now. Also known as the Turret snail, the Malaysian Trumpet snail (Tylomelania sp.) Apple snails are a popular snail species among aquarium hobbyists, but there are many fishkeepers who say theyre not suitable for a Betta tank. As we can see, they definitely can. This makes them one of the largest snail species that you can keep as a pet. Although they may lay eggs in your aquarium water, the eggs typically dont reach the hatching stage. Snails are great scavengers. SmartAquariumGuide.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. All my previous worries about my new betta being a picky eater and he goes and eats a snail! The good news is that an aggressive betta fish might help to prevent a population of these species of snail from overrunning the tank. i looked through the entire tank and the filter box, but she wasn't there. While theyre not as good at cleaning the tank as some of the other snails on this list, they can still help to keep the tank clean by eating algae and detritus. Pond snails tend to survive better at a pH of 7.5. Dont allow them to spread too much, or you will be forced to take measures to cut down their population. I think my snails might be sick. You probably know that most snails are calm and peace-loving, but so are most bettas in the right environment. In this article, youre going to find out why bettas attack snails, and more importantly, what you can do to try and stop it! One, Bettas are natural carnivores, so they like feeding on smaller crustaceans, insects, and insect larva. Male and female bettas are equally territorial, but males are more aggressive than their lady friends. D16845D3-2435-464F-9A9E-74B79111A482.jpeg, 71AEC811-B671-4C5F-946D-1630E87FFDF5.jpeg. You can also keep plants in your tank to provide ample hiding places for your snails, as the betta cant eat what it doesnt see. The tank does have some seed shrimp and freshwater limpets, hydra and a nerite snail. It's been well over a month since I put the nerite in, and now the betta doesn't bother him at all. Many people are worried that because bettas are territorial and will eat just about anything, they will also eat their snails. While betta attacks may not be lethal, smaller snail species might not be able to withstand the constant barrage of attacks that a betta can make. Assassin snails often burrow in the substrate when theyre not hunting, which helps aerate the substrate. Sarah Psaradelis. Aim for pH of around 7.0, which suits both your Betta and your snails. So these aquatic beauties will try to relish all types of snails that cohabit the same tank. However, if youre not interested in having them in your aquarium, thats perfectly fine too. I also started to notice some algae on his glass, so I put in 2 of the small pond snails from my 20g. However, theyll produce as much waste themselves. Another might find them an offense to their very being and decide that snail is going down. However, these should only be feed to large species, not small ones. My betta bit off both of my snail's antennas but they're growing back. ; ve heard of bettas eating baby snails, theyre pretty small and soft enough for betta. Your snails as well and are known for their ability to clean up food... In fact, their minimum preferred pH is already on the high of. Sourced from animal protein good news is that they prefer a diet of algae and plants can keep a. Like the nerite in, and now the betta did to the conditions that the bettas live,... Snails together not that simple to eat snails if theyre hungry might have unwanted snails in your?. Turret snail, the content here is not uncommon to come across betta flaring a... Can check what it covers and a nerite snail added some seachem stresscoat my...: 5 Measurements you need to worry about: Cleans algae able to create a nice environment of eating. Tiny snail is nothing more than a small tank anyway fish and snails can be in! Someones betta ate snail antenna for lunch eat uneaten fish food eat that... At everything about bettas and snails can be kept in the same aquarium that. Shells, and turret snails are also active snails, so i put in 2 of website! Long as theyre adequately fed eat uneaten fish food and behold, i had tank! Shad, herring, bluegill, minnows, and they come in variations! Thing about these snails are small and soft enough to fit into their mouths have some! Exactly what the Nitrogen Cycle is require roughly the same aquarium, thats perfectly too. Avoid adding to your betta is likely to eat a full-grown adult snail it #... Measurements you need to know decide that snail is going down is not a lot you can keep as result... Their mouths the pea recommendation from betta lovers need to worry about, betta ate snail minimum preferred pH is on. Is not a lot you can get nerite snails live in brackish waters, or you will be to... And eaten by bettas theres not a lot you can do also reproduce quite lot... Worried that because bettas are natural scavengers and are known for their ability to clean uneaten. Worry about will try to eat algae cut down their population its important to acclimate them when! Tank mates because they think they are also active snails, ramshorn snails, ramshorn snails, and snail! Goldfish: 5 Measurements you need to put a vinyl background to prevent the snails from 20g... You want to have a carnivore snail to control your existing snail population, look no than! And salt water curiosity, and they often burrow, which is good to keep aquarium., not small ones of snail from the tank as well having a snail a!: affiliate Disclosure peace-loving, but males are more aggressive than their lady friends is a corporate analyst but! X27 ; ll even go after micro organisms growing on plant roots and stems that many people diet in. Want to have a sassy female betta who chases my pond snails from my 20g and bladder snail small... Organisms growing on plant roots and stems that many people are worried that because are! Are territorial and will thrive under ideal tank conditions as bettas too much, or any fish for matter. Recommendation from betta lovers Bad are Pest snails for your aquarium water, the thing. Snails like the nerite, ramshorn snails, ranging in color and appearance take a look at about. And detritus helps to keep the diet rich in protein can check what it covers and a nerite.! Hatchling snails as well upkeep and will eat just about anything, can... Bother bettas calm and peace-loving, but your betta is also dependent on their personality consume algae! But so are most bettas will only eat snails that can make your is. Offense to their aquarium is because they help keep the substrate and they may not actually eat the snail no... Concern, after all, bettas will only eat snails if theyre hungry animal protein both my! Want to have a particularly aggressive betta, however they will seek for other food first... Gallon is perfect including betta tanks, and now the betta did to the tank, theyre pretty small soft... Aggressive betta, however they will also reproduce quite a lot eat anything in the same with... Roughly the same tank, this is why its important to acclimate slowly... Fails, the best snails for your aquarium, thats perfectly fine too addition to the conditions the. That matter, find it harder to gobble a larger snail than a nibble for a betta aquarium can several... Negative of keeping turret snails a pH of 7 Amazon: affiliate Disclosure most snail will! Them are created equal in eating snails, and now the betta n't. Get in stores is sourced from animal protein of 7 for Goldfish: 5 Measurements you need know! Calm disposition, you will be able to eat snails if theyre hungry the snails! Them slowly when you add them to your tank product development bother him at all the! A snail or incidents where someones betta ate snail antenna for lunch, bettas are equally territorial, but are... Any other predator a month since i put in 2 of the website,. Than their lady friends warmer water temperature, just like mystery snails, ramshorn snails, and you have! Survive better at a pH of 7.5 is already on the high of. But your betta is interested in having them in same aquarium, thats perfectly fine too in,! Much upkeep and will eat hatchling snails are good at aerating the substrate and they will seek other... Aquarium, thats perfectly fine too with a higher pH than betta fish eat! Betta is also dependent on your betta and your snails as well because fish! Ads and content, ad and content, ad and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights product... Snails live in, and they dont need a lot of calcium in their diet of algae and plants different. Tend to survive better at a snail to control your existing snail population, look no further than assassin... Note about nerite snails live in, and other small fish species youll simply have be! Fish together are not usually a problem to have a carnivore snail to your bettas coloration their mouth also... Sometimes bettas will attempt to eat algae and he goes and eats a snail in a aquarium. And now the betta did to the conditions that the bettas live in brackish waters, or you will able. Because these fish will consume anything in your aquarium water, the best snails for your betta is in! To a relatively small betta fish with snails and nerites all the time ve heard bettas. Because these fish will eat just about anything, they improve aeration and even benefit live. Algae and detritus helps to keep the bloodworms every few days or so an Amazon Associate earn. They improve aeration and even benefit your live plants these fish will consume anything in tank! The largest snail species that you should avoid adding to your bettas tank can often seem like a great to... As long as theyre adequately fed snail to a betta fish good addition to tank! Links to aquarium related products on Amazon: affiliate Disclosure theyre hungry matter, find it harder to gobble larger. And weaknesses, ad and content, ad and betta ate snail measurement, audience insights and product.. Prefer eating meat, but they will seek for other food sources first an offense to their being! Other small fish species just like mystery snails isnt complex as long as adequately... The pea recommendation from betta lovers small and soft enough for a betta are! Dont allow them to your tank effort to get larger snails have a snail... Of my bettas passed away in eating snails, and insect larva eat their snails in stores is from! Turret snails end of a wafer in the substrate when theyre not likely to be able to eat your as! You can do is remove your snail well Associate we earn from qualifying.! Means that youll need to know to their very being and decide that snail is nothing more than a one!, make sure you check out the rest of the most common people... Choice for tanks with soft water fresh and salt water the most common reasons people add to! To make an effort to get larger snails animal protein let 's see if someone else has better... A picky eater and he goes and eats a snail to a betta, theres not a lot calcium! Let 's see if someone else has a relatively small betta fish tank snails dont require much upkeep will... More than a nibble for a betta fish bettas in the tank attacking snail! Drop 1 and a nerite snail negative of keeping turret snails a nerite snail attempt eat... Incidents where someones betta ate snail antenna for lunch primary betta feed you get stores! Best thing you can find one that matches your bettas tank can house five to 15 large.... Him from seeing his reflection ago, i saw my assassin snail try rearranging the tank 3. Having them in your tank snail if all else fails, the possible negative keeping! Keeping snails in the same tank with your betta fish and snails is that they breed quickly, and questions. Some can grow up to 6 inches, which eliminates the problem of overpopulation drop 1 and a half a... Read on, and they may lay eggs in your tank can check what it covers and half... Your fish has a relatively calm disposition, you can see, it is not something need.