The Chopstick Snail (Stenomelania sp.) earns its name immediately — a long, narrow cone shell that rises to a fine point, standing out from every other snail in the tank. Native to Southeast Asia including Indonesia and surrounding regions, this peaceful species grazes quietly on biofilm and organic matter while adding genuine vertical interest to aquascapes built around hardscape, botanicals, and live plants. It coexists naturally with Neocaridina, Caridina shrimp, and peaceful fish alike.
6.8–8.0
pH Range
GH 6–12
General Hardness
KH 2–8
Carbonate Hardness
68–78°F
Temperature
What to Expect
Appearance & Behavior Over Time
Unmistakably slender silhouette — the long, tapered cone shape is unlike any other common freshwater snail, especially striking when perched on glass or climbing driftwood.
Tan to dark brown coloration — shells range from warm tan to deeper brown, often with subtle natural striping or shading that varies between individuals.
Shell height grows steadily with age — older individuals can develop impressive length while staying remarkably narrow, adding even more vertical drama over time.
Periodic burrowing is normal — Chopstick Snails may partially submerge into fine substrate during rest periods, a natural behavior that helps them feel secure rather than a sign of stress.
Eye-catching on vertical surfaces — particularly visible and active when climbing glass, wood, or rock, where the full length of the shell can be appreciated.
How to Set It Up
Getting Started
1
Choose a fine sand substrate — sand or fine gravel allows Chopstick Snails to burrow naturally during rest and reduces shell wear compared to coarser materials.
2
Set up a mature, stable tank — this species does best in established aquariums with gentle water flow and surfaces that have developed a natural layer of biofilm and organic matter.
3
Maintain consistent water parameters — target pH 6.8–8.0, GH 6–12, and KH 2–8. Stable mineral content supports healthy shell growth and long-term condition.
💡 Bonus Tip
A fine sand substrate allows Chopstick Snails to exhibit their most natural behaviors and reduces shell wear compared to coarse gravel — worth the extra thought when planning your setup.
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Complete the setup with live plants
Plants provide essential hiding spots and enhance the natural look of your tank, creating a healthier, more enriching environment for your shrimp. Browse our Aquatic Plants collection.
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