Goldfish and snails are two popular pets that can be kept in a tank together. Goldfish are a type of carp that can grow up to 12 inches long, while snails are a type of mollusk that can grow up to 2 inches long.
Goldfish are a popular pet because they are inexpensive, hardy, and come in a variety of colors, while snails are a popular pet because they are low-maintenance and interesting to watch.
Are you curious about do goldfish eating snails? Let’s find out!
Can Snails Live With Goldfish?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the specific species of snail and goldfish involved, as well as the conditions of the tank. However, in general, snails and goldfish can live together if the tank is sufficiently large and the water quality is good.
Snails are scavengers and will eat the leftovers that the goldfish miss, as well as the algae that grow on the tank walls. In addition, the snail’s mucous trail will help to keep the tank clean. Goldfish are omnivorous and will eat the snail if given the opportunity, but as long as the snail is quick enough to hide, it should be safe.
It is important to note that not all species of snails and goldfish are compatible. For example, some snails may prey on the goldfish, while some goldfish eating the snails. Therefore, it is important to do your research before introducing a snail into a tank with goldfish.
Types of Snails That Can Live With Goldfish
Below you will learn about small snails for fish tanks.
Nerite Snails
Nerite snails are small, air-breathing land snail that is endemic to the island of Kaua’i in the Hawaiian Islands. Nerite snails are usually found in wet areas near streams, on the edges of forests, and in other damp habitats.
These small snails have a thin, coiled shell that is less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length. The shell is dark brown or black in color and has a wide, white band around the middle. Nerite snails have a small, black head and a light-colored body.
They feed on a variety of plant materials, including leaves, flowers, and fruit. Nerite snails are preyed upon by a variety of animals, including birds, lizards, and rats. Nerite snails are a critically endangered species, and there are only about 100 individuals remaining in the wild.
Mystery Snails
Mystery snails are a type of aquatic snail that can be found in many different parts of the world. They are a popular choice for aquariums because of their interesting appearance and easy care.
Mystery snails come in a variety of colors, including yellow, black, and green. They have a large, coiled shell that can grow up to four inches in diameter. Mystery snails are herbivorous species and will eat algae and other plant material from the tank or pond in which they live.
Mystery snails are a great choice for beginner aquarists because they are easy to care for and do not require a lot of maintenance. They can be kept in a tank with other fish, or in a pond with other aquatic plants and animals.
Japanese Trapdoor Snails
Japanese trapdoor snails are a species of freshwater snail. They are native to Japan and can be found in rivers, ponds, and lakes. These snails are known for their ability to close their shells tightly, which gives them the common name “trapdoor snail.”
Japanese trapdoor snails are herbivorous and eat a variety of aquatic plants. They are often kept as pets in aquariums. These snails are not known to carry any diseases that could harm humans.
Japanese trapdoor snails are not considered to be a pest species. However, they can become a nuisance in aquariums if their population gets too large. In this case, they can be controlled by manually removing them from the tank or by using chemical controls.
Ramshorn Snail
Ramshorn Snails are a type of freshwater snail that is often found in aquariums. They are relatively small, and their shells are coiled in a spiral shape.
Ramshorn Snails are known for their voracious appetite and will often eat algae and other detritus that is present in an aquarium. While they are generally considered to be helpful in keeping an aquarium clean, they can sometimes overpopulation and become a nuisance.
Melantho Snail
Melantho Snail, also known as the Black-tailed Snail, is a species of sea snail in the family Muricidae, the murex snails or rock snails. This species is distributed in the Western Atlantic Ocean, from North Carolina to Florida in the United States, and in the Gulf of Mexico.
The Melantho Snail has a black, conical shell with a brown or yellowish-brown aperture. The shell can grow to a length of up to 50 millimeters. The body of the snail is black, with a yellow or orange-tipped tail.
The Melantho Snail is a predator of other snails and bivalves. It drills a hole in the shell of its prey with its radula and then injects a paralyzing venom. The snail then sucks out the prey’s soft tissues.
The Melantho Snail is itself preyed upon by a number of predators, including crabs, fish, and other sea snails.
The Melantho Snail is considered to be a minor pest of oysters and other shellfish.
How to Properly Add Snails to the Aaquarium With Goldfish?
Adding snails to a goldfish tank can be a great way to help keep the tank clean. Snails will eat algae and help keep the tank looking clean. When adding snails to a goldfish tank, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, it is important to only add a few snails at a time. Too many snails can overcrowd the tank and lead to problems. It is also important to make sure the snails are the same size or smaller than the goldfish.
Goldfish can be aggressive and may try to eat the snails. If the snails are too large, they could hurt the goldfish.
When adding snails to the tank, it is best to do so at night. This will give the snails time to adjust to their new surroundings and hide if needed.
It is also important to give the snails plenty of places to hide. This can be done by adding rocks, plants, and other decorations to the tank.
If the tank is properly set up, the snails should do well and help keep the tank clean.
FAQs on Snail in Goldfish Tank
Do Goldfish Eat Large Snails?
Most goldfish will not eat large snails. They may nibble on them a bit, but they are not a significant part of their diet.
Do Goldfish Eat Baby Mystery Snails?
Goldfish are not known to eat baby mystery snails. However, if the baby mystery snail is small enough, the goldfish may eat it by mistake.
Do Goldfish Eat Snail Eggs?
No scientific evidence supports the claim that goldfish eat snail eggs. However, many aquarium and pond owners believe that goldfish will consume snail eggs if given the opportunity.
Can Snails Transmit Disease to Goldfish?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as it has not been extensively researched. However, it is generally believed that snails can transmit diseases to goldfish. Therefore, it is advisable to exercise caution when handling snails or goldfish and to wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
Also read:
- Best Nano Aquarium: Review & Buying Guide
- Can Betta Live With Shrimp?
- Best Substrate for Goldfish Tank: Review & Buyer’s Guide
Conclusion
This article answered the question, “can snails live with goldfish”. Overall, Goldfish can be omnivorous and will eat a variety of things, including snails. Some people believe that goldfish can help control snail populations in ponds and gardens, but no scientific evidence supports this claim.
References:
- Algae (by Marek Mis): https://microbiologysociety.org/why-microbiology-matters/what-is-microbiology/algae.html
- Detritus (by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica): https://www.britannica.com/science/detritus
- What is a bivalve mollusk? (by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce): https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/bivalve.html
In the aquarium with goldfish almost no snails, some shells were left, all eaten by goldfish (( Maybe they do not have enough? (I feed both dry and live food).
One possibility as to why snails eat is a lack of animal food. Mine get either minced seafood or moths once every 2 days. They don’t touch snails, even the small ones. Try feeding your fish as well, see if they stop eating snails then.
Thanks for the article! I usually give dry food in the morning, and in the evening cubes with frozen worms (different kinds, I buy an assortment, or specially for goldfish). My snails are not interested yet, probably still young! 🙂