Beneficial Species
Nerite snails — best algae eaters, do not breed in freshwater. Various color/pattern morphs.
Mystery snails — large, gentle, peaceful colors. Breed but slowly.
Assassin snails — eat other snails. Use them to control pest populations.
Pest Species
Pond snails — small, brown, multiply rapidly via self-fertilization.
Bladder snails — clear shells, breed prolifically.
Both come hitchhiking on plants. Pre-quarantine plants in shrimp-safe dip to prevent introduction.
Pest Control
Reduce overfeeding — snails multiply in proportion to leftover food.
Lettuce trap — leaf of romaine in tank overnight, remove with snails attached, repeat daily.
Assassin snails — eat 1-2 pest snails daily, gradually clear infestation.
Loaches and puffers eat snails — but those have other care challenges.
When Snails Are Useful
Algae control — nerite snails are unmatched. They eat green spot algae most other animals ignore.
Glass cleaning — natural film grazers reduce manual cleaning.
Substrate aeration — burrowing snails (Malaysian Trumpet) prevent anaerobic substrate.