The Malaysian Trumpet Snail (Melanoides tuberculata) is one of the most functionally valuable snails available for planted aquariums. Its elongated, pointed shell and burrowing habit make it uniquely effective at aerating compacted substrate — working through sand and fine gravel constantly, preventing anaerobic pockets from forming and keeping the substrate bed healthy for plant roots and beneficial bacteria alike. During the day most of the colony remains buried; by night they emerge to graze on algae, biofilm, and settled detritus across every surface of the tank. Fully safe with Neocaridina, Caridina shrimp, and other snails, MTS are a quiet, hardworking addition to any planted setup.

7.0–8.0 pH Range

GH 6–15 General Hardness

KH 2–8 Carbonate Hardness

70–82°F Temperature

What to Expect

Appearance & Behavior Over Time

Pointed conical shell with fine spiral ribbing — the shell is elongated and tapered, ranging from sandy beige to brown or grey with subtle patterning. Shell color and texture vary between individuals and populations. Primarily nocturnal and burrowing — the colony spends most daylight hours beneath the substrate surface. This is entirely normal behavior. A large number of snails visible on the glass or substrate during the day can indicate low oxygen levels or poor water quality worth investigating. Constant substrate aeration — as the snails burrow and move through sand or fine gravel, they break up compaction and prevent the buildup of anaerobic gas pockets that can harm plant roots and release hydrogen sulfide into the water column. Grazes on algae, biofilm, and detritus — at night MTS emerge and work systematically across substrate, hardscape, glass, and plant surfaces, consuming algae, leftover food, and organic waste that would otherwise accumulate. Live-bearing with manageable reproduction — MTS reproduce parthenogenetically, meaning females can produce young without males. Population growth is steady but self-limiting in a balanced tank — numbers stabilize naturally when food supply levels off. Harder water supports strong shell development — adequate KH and GH prevent shell erosion and pitting over time. Soft or acidic water is the most common cause of shell degradation in long-term populations.

How to Set It Up

Getting Started

1 Use sand or fine gravel substrate — MTS are most effective and most comfortable in fine-grained substrate that allows natural burrowing. Coarse gravel limits their movement and reduces the aeration benefit they provide.

2 Introduce to a cycled, established tank — a mature tank with biofilm on surfaces and organic material in the substrate gives the colony an immediate food source and reduces the stress of introduction. Avoid adding to newly set up aquariums with bare substrate.

3 Maintain stable mineral levels — target pH 7.0–8.0 and KH 2–8 to support long-term shell health. Slightly alkaline, moderately hard water is ideal. Pure RO or very soft water will degrade shells over time and should be avoided or remineralized.

4 Avoid overfeeding the tank — MTS populations grow in proportion to available food. Controlled, consistent feeding keeps numbers at a functional level. Excess food and accumulated detritus will drive rapid population increases that can become difficult to manage.

💡 Bonus Tip

If MTS numbers become too high, a small piece of blanched zucchini or cucumber left on the substrate overnight will attract large numbers of snails that can be easily removed the next morning — a simple, chemical-free method for population management that won't disturb shrimp or other tank inhabitants.

🌿

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.

→

Before placing your order, please review our 📋 DOA Policy 🚚 Shipping Info

Your cart is empty

Shopping cart

You may also like

Black Rili Shrimp

Black Rili Shrimp

Black Rose Shrimp

Black Rose Shrimp

Blood Orange Shrimp

Blood Orange Shrimp

Bloody Mary Shrimp

Bloody Mary Shrimp

Blue Diamond Shrimp

Blue Diamond Shrimp

Subtotal