Miniature snail or planorbid: discreet cleaner for nano-aquariums, natural aquariums, and ponds
A very rare, tiny, and perfectly hardy species
The planorbid (Gyraudus sp.) is a very small freshwater snail related to ramshorn snails, but very different. Adult, it does not exceed 5 mm in diameter for only 1 mm thickness! Its shell is very flat and translucent against the light. Pure detritivore (micro-algae, biofilm, waste), absolutely harmless to plants, it is perfectly suited for nano tanks, fry tanks, and withstands winter outdoors in ponds or trash ponds even in the coldest weather.
Why choose the planorbid in a natural aquarium?
- Cleaning snail for nano tanks: grazes micro-algae and biofilm.
- Ultra-discreet: miniature size, irreplaceable in nano-aquariums.
- Harmless to plants. Its diet is strictly algivorous and detritivorous.
- Useful biodiversity: complements the low-tech cleaning team of all aquariums!
- Hardy: wintering without problem outdoors in our latitudes.
- A rarity in aquaristics (practically unavailable in trade)
Introduction and usage tips
- Gentle acclimation then release into your tank or pond.
- In the presence of fish that might accidentally gulp it, introduce it rather at nightfall.
- Population regulated by food: it will multiply in case of abundant waste, then decline once the problem is resolved.
- Compatibility: perfect with shrimp and small calm fish. Avoid snail-predator fish (e.g., Tetraodons) if you want to keep the stock.
- Pond and trash pond: excellent in the presence of filamentous algae, which serve both as food and hiding place.
- Respiration: lung snail also capable of cutaneous respiration underwater, very comfortable in calm water.
Possible uses
- Nano aquariums and shrimp tanks: gentle maintenance, discreet presence, it is perfectly to scale!
- Fry tanks: light cleaning without risk to plants.
- Trash ponds and ponds: year-round maintenance, helps against microalgae and allows closing the complete aquatic biological cycle.
FAQ - Planorbids (miniature snail)
Can it invade the aquarium?
Unlikely: the available food naturally regulates the population. Avoid overfeeding fish which would make its proliferation inevitable (and useful!).
Does it eat plants?
No. Detritivore, it is interested in organic debris and microalgae and biofilm on the walls, not plants.
Is it suitable for nano tanks?
Yes, it is even its best playground: mini size, ultra-discreet visual impact.
Does it survive outside in winter?
Yes, the planorbids overwinter very well in ponds or trash ponds under our latitudes, even in the coldest weather.
Is it protected?
No (unlike a close relative of the genus Anisus). Never release aquarium animals into the wild, even if the species is already present. It's a principle.
Additional information
- Scientific name: Gyraudus sp.
- Size: 5 mm maximum diameter, 1 mm thickness!
- Use: mini detritivore snail for aquariums or ponds
- Advice: it is unnecessary to feed them, as they are satisfied with algae, various debris, and bacteria.
- Packaging: snails packaged in a sealed bag, with water and air in quantities adapted to their number (indicative weight: 25 g).
- Guarantee: our snails are raised in natural aquarium conditions. They are harvested and packaged the very morning of their shipment. No collection from the wild.
- Recommendation: please never release these snails into the wild, even if they are sometimes naturally present there. Our aquatic ecosystems are very fragile.
