If you’re new to the world of aquarium maintenance, you may be familiar with the horned snail, or Clithon corona as it is known scientifically. In addition to being fascinating to watch, these snails have several advantages for your tank. They are a favorite among aquarium enthusiasts because of their remarkable appearance and intriguing behavior.
The distinctive horn-like protrusions on the Clithon corona snail’s shell make it stand out from other snail species. Originating in Southeast Asia, these snails are adaptable to a wide range of freshwater environments. Their name comes from the pattern on their shells, which is reminiscent of a horned helmet and can range in color from brown to green.
Keeping horned snails has many benefits, chief among them being their ability to help regulate the growth of algae in your aquarium. They help maintain a cleaner tank environment by feeding on algae and debris. They are also a wonderful addition to community tanks because of their calm nature, which keeps other fish and plants from being bothered.
But it’s crucial to make sure they have the ideal circumstances to thrive. Stable water parameters and well-maintained tanks are preferred by horned snails. It is advantageous to add foods high in calcium to their diet as they also require it for their shells. You can enjoy these adorable snails and maintain the best possible condition for your aquarium by being aware of their needs.
Because of its unusual appearance and advantageous habits, the Horned Snail, Clithon corona, is an intriguing addition to any freshwater aquarium. This snail, with its characteristic horn-like spines and colorful shell patterns, not only brings a touch of nature’s beauty to your tank but also helps keep it clean as it feeds on algae and other debris. You can establish a healthy environment for your snail and the other aquarium residents by being aware of its care needs and natural behaviors.
Habitat
This mollusk’s native environments are:
- Philippines,
- Indonesia,
- China,
- Taiwan,
- Japan,
- Thailand and Malaysia.
One thing unites all of these locations: desalinated sea areas containing fresh or brackish water. After all, these snails’ ability to reproduce requires the presence of brackish water. A horned snail has a life expectancy of roughly five years.
Appearance
One of the tiniest members of the neritic family is the yellow-horned snail. This mollusk is quite lovely and humble in appearance. Aquarium horned snails have a maximum height of 1.4 cm and a maximum diameter of 2.2 cm. Bumblebee Nerite commands attention in an aquarium right away thanks to its striking yellow-black color and unique shell shape. The Clithon corona shells come in a variety of colors, including black, cream, light orange, brown-greenish, and speckled or striped.
The thick, durable, spherical shell has distinct growth lines. Its upper portion frequently corrodes. This genus differs primarily in that its shell has five to seven horn-like processes instead of spirals. It’s intriguing that even young people exhibit this kind of structure and coloring.
The horns of each representative of the genus are located differently, without a specific pattern. As a rule, the "horns" are located at the top of the shell, as well as close to it. It is also not known for certain whether the horns grow with the snail or not and what their growth depends on. Since in some individuals they increase proportionally to the size of the shell, while in others the size of the processes does not change. These shoots are very strong and if you handle the mollusk carelessly, you can prick your hand with them. But, despite this, the horns are easily damaged, most often this happens during transportation.
Snail in an aquarium
The horned snail, along with char, large cichlids, macropods, and helen snails, are excellent additions to populated aquariums devoid of predatory fish. Due to their social nature, cliton corona must be introduced to the aquarium in groups of at least five. Because of their calm disposition, bumblebee nerites don’t bother other aquarium occupants or harm the plants. Any type of plant can be planted in the aquarium; the mollusks won’t harm them and will even aid in clearing the buildup of different types of algae on the leaves. Horned mollusks consume only decomposing or dead matter.
Clithon corona effectively removes algae and organic waste from plants, driftwood, and aquarium walls. Because of their small size, these little ones are able to clean algae in areas that are difficult for most aquarium inhabitants to access. Because they are so light, horned snails can perch on the delicate leaves of aquarium plants.
Behavior
Be ready for Bumblebee Nerite to attempt to flee. Thus, the aquarium needs to have a lid or glass. Hunger or a disruption in the natural balance of the body could be the causes of escape. Reviewing the mollusks’ upkeep circumstances is worthwhile if they attempt to escape the aquarium on a regular basis.
This species of snail can survive for a while without water. And if they manage to get away, then search the area for them. Locate the fugitives, pick them up carefully, and put them back in the aquarium.
Maintenance requirements
For the horned snail Neretina, mildly hard, slightly alkaline water with a pH of 7.2–8.2 and a temperature range of 22–27 degrees is sufficient to support the development of a healthy shell. The snail shell will break apart in softer water that has less calcium in it.
To allow the mollusks to move freely and escape the water if they so choose, make the water slightly lower than usual, about the height of the largest specimen. Simultaneously, ensure that the aquarium cover is securely shut and free of any openings that could allow your animals to escape.
Check the aquarium’s filtration on a regular basis, and remove any food particles or waste from the substrate.
Horned snails can pierce skin with their sharp spines, so handle them carefully.
Preparements containing copper should never be used in aquariums housing snails!
Feeding
Algae make up the majority of the horned snail’s diet. Little mollusks are so good at cleaning the aquarium that, in a short period of time after they settle in, the plants, décor, and walls will all be spotless. In search of food, these snails squeeze themselves into every crevice and awkward spot that other residents can’t get to. Clithon corona has a voracious appetite and will tidy the aquarium rapidly.
But starvation threatens horned snails as soon as the aquarium is free of algae. As a result, you must feed them special algae wafers, vegetable tablets, and vegetable pieces.
If the mollusks reject other food, you can also grow algae on stones and pebbles in a different tank and add them to the aquarium as a steady supply of green food.
| Topic | Horned Snail (Clithon corona) |
| Common Name | Horned Snail |
| Scientific Name | Clithon corona |
| Appearance | Small snail with a distinctive, horn-like shell structure |
| Size | Up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter |
| Color | Usually brown or green with white or yellow spots |
| Habitat | Freshwater and brackish water environments |
| Diet | Algae and detritus |
| Behavior | Generally peaceful, helps control algae growth |
| Care Level | Easy to care for, ideal for beginner aquarists |
| Tank Conditions | Requires clean water with a stable pH and temperature |
Any aquarium would benefit from the interesting addition of the Horned Snail, or Clithon corona. It is a standout feature in a tank due to its unusual appearance and horn-like structures. It not only provides visual appeal, but it also helps regulate the growth of algae, which benefits the ecosystem. This can be especially helpful in keeping the aquatic environment balanced and healthy.
Because Clithon corona requires little maintenance, aquarium enthusiasts of all skill levels can choose to keep one. Although they can survive in a range of environments, keeping the water’s parameters steady will guarantee their health. Maintaining appropriate tank maintenance and routine observation will help keep these snails active and healthy.
All things considered, the Horned Snail serves a purpose beyond aesthetics. It gives your aquatic setup a bit of individuality and serves a useful purpose in aquarium maintenance. Clithon corona is a fantastic option that blends elegance and practicality, whether you’re trying to improve the ecosystem in your tank or its aesthetics.
