Will Pagoda Snails eat my live aquarium plants?

No, Pagoda Snails are completely plant-safe. They are detritivores and algae grazers that will only eat the biofilm and soft algae growing on the surfaces of leaves, leaving the actual plant tissue unharmed.

Why is the tip of my Pagoda Snail's shell turning white?

This is known as shell erosion and is typically caused by the water being too soft or too acidic. Ensuring your pH remains above 7.0 and adding calcium supplements to the water can prevent further degradation.

Will Pagoda Snails multiply rapidly and become a pest?

Not at all. They are very slow-breeding livebearers that require both a male and a female to reproduce. They only produce a few young at a time and will never overrun an aquarium.

Why is my Pagoda Snail inactive and hiding in its shell?

While it is normal for them to rest for long periods, prolonged inactivity can be a sign of poor water quality, lack of water flow, or insufficient food. Check your water parameters to ensure high oxygenation and zero ammonia or nitrite.

Can I keep Pagoda Snails in a pond?

It is not recommended in the UK. Pagoda Snails are tropical invertebrates requiring temperatures between 22°C and 27°C, meaning they will not survive a British winter outdoors.

FreshwaterTropicalIntermediate

Pagoda Snail

Brotia pagodula

The Pagoda Snail is a striking, algae-grazing freshwater invertebrate renowned for its heavily armoured, tiered shell and preference for high-flow environments.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 22 – 27 °C
pH range: 7 – 8.5
Hardness: 8 – 20 dGH
Adult size: 4 – 5.5 cm
Minimum tank size for a small group: 40 litres+
Lifespan: 2 – 5 years
Diet: Omnivore/Detritivore
Water flow: Moderate to High
Preferred setup: Riverine or hillstream setup with smooth stones, driftwood, and established biofilm.

About the Pagoda Snail

The Pagoda Snail (Brotia pagodula) is a fascinating and visually captivating freshwater invertebrate. Instantly recognisable by its heavily textured, spiky, and tiered shell that resembles the architecture of a traditional Asian pagoda, it makes a magnificent focal point in the lower levels of an aquarium. Native to the fast-flowing rivers of Southeast Asia, this species requires highly oxygenated water to truly thrive, making it an excellent candidate for specialised river-manifold setups. Unlike common pest snails, they are slow-moving, slow-breeding, and completely peaceful.

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Is it right for your tank?

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Where Pagoda Snail comes from

Native range

Salween River Basin, Moei River Basin

Countries / regions

Thailand, Myanmar

Habitat

Fast-flowing, highly oxygenated rivers and streams with rocky substrates.

Populations are largely restricted to distinct river drainages in Southeast Asia.

Similar species

Rabbit Snail
Tylomelania sp.
Malaysian Trumpet Snail
Melanoides tuberculata
Chopstick Snail
Stenomelania torulosa

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

View all compatibility

Amano Shrimp
Caridina multidentata
Peaceful algae grazers that appreciate similar highly oxygenated, clean water conditions.
Great
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Thrive in the moderate flow and slightly cooler ends of the Pagoda Snail's temperature range without posing any threat.
Great
Hillstream Loaches
Sewellia lineolata
Share the exact same riverine habitat requirements and are entirely peaceful towards snails.
Great
Clown Loach
Chromobotia macracanthus
Although the Pagoda Snail's spiky shell offers significant protection, large loaches are natural snail predators and may harass or eventually consume them.
Compatible with caution
Pea Puffer
Carinotetraodon travancoricus
Pufferfish are obligate snail predators. Even if the shell is too hard to crush easily, they will persistently nip at the snail's exposed foot and antennae.
Not recommended

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