What Are Pink Lady Snails?

“Pink Lady Snail” is a common name used in the aquarium hobby for pink-colored Ramshorn snails, usually a variety of Planorbella/Planorbis species. They are not a separate species but a color morph produced by selective breeding. Their shells appear pink due to transparent shell walls that reveal the red hemoglobin-rich body inside.

Appearance

• Shell Shape: Classic flat spiral (ramshorn).

• Shell Color: Soft pink to deep rose.

• Body Color: Red or reddish-pink (due to hemoglobin).

• Size:

  • Juveniles: 3–5 mm

  • Adults: 1.5–2.5 cm

• Texture: Smooth shell surface.

• Special Feature: No operculum (unlike mystery snails).

Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: 5 liters and above (very adaptable).

• Temperature: 20–28°C.

• pH: 6.5–8.0.

• Hardness: Moderately hard water preferred; soft water may weaken shells.

• Flow: Low to moderate.

• Lighting: No special requirement.

Behavior

• Peaceful and active.

• Constant grazers—move around glass, plants, and substrate.

• Excellent for cleaning algae films and leftover food.

• Will not disturb plants; may eat decaying plant matter.

Diet

Pink Lady Snails are omnivorous and eat:

• Algae

• Biofilm

• Leftover fish food

• Blanched spinach, cucumber, zucchini

• Algae wafers

• Calcium-rich foods for shell health

Avoid: Excess protein (can cause rapid breeding).

Breeding

• Reproduction: Very easy; they are hermaphrodites.

• Eggs: Small transparent clusters stuck to glass, plants, or decor.

• Hatch Time: 7–14 days depending on temperature.

• Population Growth: Fast if overfed.

If you want to control their population, reduce feeding, keep tank clean, or add predators like pea puffers or loaches (only if compatible).

Care & Maintenance

Water Quality

• Keep nitrates low (below 20–30 ppm).

• Weekly water changes.

• Avoid copper-based medications.

Shell Health

They need calcium. Provide:

• Cuttlebone

• Crushed coral

• Calcium blocks

• High-calcium snail foods

Shell damage appears as pitting, cracking, or white edges.

Tank Mates

Safe with:

• Shrimp

• Small peaceful fish

• Tetras, rasboras, guppies

• Other snails

• Plants

Avoid:

• Pea puffers

• Loaches

• Some cichlids
  (these may eat or harass snails)

Benefits in the Aquarium

• Clean algae

• Eat leftover food

• Reduce waste

• Indicate tank health (population increases if tank is overfed)

• Add beautiful pink coloration to the tank

Common Problems

1. Rapid Breeding

Occurs when the tank is overfed.
Fix: Reduce feeding, vacuum substrate.

2. Deteriorating Shell

Caused by soft water or lack of calcium.
Fix: Add calcium sources.

3. Floating

Often normal as they trap air, but can indicate bad water quality.
Fix: Check parameters.

Key Highlights

• Pink-colored Ramshorn variety

• Very hardy and beginner-friendly

• Beautiful soft-pink appearance

• Easy to breed

• Excellent tank cleaners