Mystery Snail: Tank Size, Tank Mates and Setup
A large, active snail in gold, blue and purple. One fits a tank of 5 gallons or larger.
- Minimum tank
- 5 gallons
- Temperature
- 68–82°F
- Group size
- One or more
- Adult size
- 2 inAll levels of the tank
- Produces more waste than its size suggests.
- Needs calcium in the water or diet to keep its shell healthy.
Pomacea bridgesii. Figures are commonly published care ranges; see how it works.
How many mystery snails per tank size
The most you could keep if mystery snails were the only species. Open a size in the builder to add tank mates.
| Tank | Mystery snail, kept alone | |
|---|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Up to 2 | Plan this tank |
| 10 gallon | Up to 4 | Plan this tank |
| 20 gallon | Up to 10 | Plan this tank |
| 29 gallon | Up to 17 | Plan this tank |
| 40 gallon | Up to 24 | Plan this tank |
| 55 gallon | Up to 33 | Plan this tank |
| 75 gallon | Up to 45 | Plan this tank |
What you need for a mystery snail in a 5-gallon tank
A starting setup: 1 mystery snail in the smallest standard tank that suits them.
5-gallon tank
- These fit a 5-gallon tank and get along. Aim for about 75°F.
Equipment, sized for this tank
Starter supplies
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Mystery snail tank mates
These share a temperature range and temperament with mystery snails, with no warnings from our checks.
Plan a tank around mystery snails
Add tank mates, check the stocking level and get the equipment sized for your tank.
Open the tank builderMystery snail questions
What size tank does a mystery snail need?
At least 5 gallons. A larger tank is more stable and gives you more choice of tank mates.
How many mystery snails can I keep in a 5-gallon tank?
Up to about 2 if they are the only species in the tank. Fewer if you add other fish.
Do mystery snails need a heater?
Usually yes. Mystery snail does best at 68–82°F, which is warmer than most rooms. A 5-gallon tank needs about 25 watts in a 68°F room.
What fish can live with mystery snails?
Good matches include bettas, neon tetras, cardinal tetras, ember tetras, rummy-nose tetras, black skirt tetras. They share a temperature range and temperament with mystery snails.