Military Helmet Snail
The Military Helmet Snail is a striking and highly effective algae-eating snail, prized in planted and aquascaped aquariums for both its appearance and utility. With its bold patterned shell and compact size, it adds natural interest while helping to keep glass, hardscape, and décor free from soft algae.
These snails are extremely hardy and well suited to tropical freshwater aquariums. They thrive in stable, well-oxygenated tanks and are completely plant-safe, making them ideal for Nature Aquariums, Iwagumi layouts, and shrimp tanks. Military Helmet Snails are peaceful, non-aggressive, and safe with fish, shrimp, and other invertebrates.
Care Requirements
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Temperature: 22–28°C
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pH: 6.5–8.0
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Hardness: Moderate to hard water preferred (supports shell health)
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Tank Size: Suitable from nano aquariums upwards
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Diet: Algae, biofilm, and supplemental sinking foods if needed
Feeding & Nutrition
While Military Helmet Snails will naturally graze on algae and biofilm, their diet can be supplemented to ensure long-term health—especially in very clean or newly set-up tanks. Our Shrimp Pro food range offers a variety of plant- and algae-based foods that are ideal for snails and shrimp alike, providing balanced nutrition and supporting shell strength and activity.
Behaviour & Compatibility
Military Helmet Snails are active grazers that spend their time moving over glass, rocks, and wood in search of algae. They do not reproduce in freshwater, so there’s no risk of population explosions. They are perfect for aquascapers who want natural algae control without impacting layout or plant growth.
Delivery & Customer Responsibility
Live snails are dispatched on Mondays for Tuesday delivery. It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure that aquarium parameters are fully suitable before ordering and that someone is available to take delivery promptly on Tuesday. Delays in delivery, unsuitable water conditions, or failure to receive the parcel on time can compromise the health of live animals.
Why Choose Military Helmet Snails?
✔ Excellent natural algae control
✔ Safe for plants and shrimp
✔ Hardy and easy to care for
✔ Unique patterned shell for visual interest
Whether you’re running a high-tech planted tank or a low-maintenance aquascape, the Military Helmet Snail is a reliable, attractive addition that supports a clean and balanced aquarium.
We only ship snails out on Mondays for delivery on Tuesday (order before 11pm)
How We Ship Our Snails
We usually ship our snails using a "low-stress" damp method rather than filling a bag with water. We gently wrap them in damp paper towel and place them in an deli cup. This keeps them moist and safe without letting the water get dirty during the trip.
Why Your Snails Might Look "Dead" (Dormancy)
When your box arrives, your snails will probably be tightly closed up and completely still. They are not dead—they are just sleeping.
Shipping tricks the snails into thinking it is "low tide," so they go into a protective sleep mode to save energy. It takes them a little while to realise they are safe in a new home.
How to Wake Them Up
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Put them in water: Place the snails into your tank or a small bowl of tank water.
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Face them down: Place them right-side up on the bottom of the tank. Nerite snails cannot flip themselves over easily. If they are upside down, they won't open up.
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Wait 24 hours: It can take anywhere from 4 to 24 hours for a snail to wake up and start moving.
Still worried? Give the snail a quick sniff. If it smells completely normal, it is just resting. A dead snail will have a very strong, terrible odour.
