Snail Eaters

[woody111]

can anyone suggest a fish that will eat snails in a community tank. As my tank is only 90 litres would this be to small for clown loaches

 

[silvery37]

Yoyo loaches or zebra loaches would work better than clown loaches as they stay around 5-6''. You could also try Badis Badis or an upside down catfish. Remember that pretty much anything that will eat snails will also eat shrimp if you have any. Your tank is too small for clown loaches.

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

Skunk loaches stay small at only 4inches long maximum and are vigorous eaters of snails and can be kept in tropical temps;

http/www.loaches.com/species-index/yasuh...earchterm=snail

.

 

[sophos9]

You could dose Flubenol, will stop the snail problem for a good while....

 

[mark.w.jones]

Skunk loaches stay small at only 4inches long maximum and are vigorous eaters of snails and can be kept in tropical temps;

http/www.loaches.com/species-index/yasuh...earchterm=snail

.

Although they do sound rather feisty and tank mates would need to be suitable. I also remember reading that they are largely nocturnal so you might not see them much.

Yo Yos and zebra loaches would seem like a more peaceful option.

 

[binman]

this aint specifically on 'snail eaters' but good info on pest snails
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=41473

 

[rainbowcharmer]

I'm wondering if the Angelicus Loach would serve this purpose as well? They have them at my LFS, but do not have the YoYo loaches (which look similar). Anyone have experience with them?

 

[afishdude]

those will eat snails, but they need FINE gravel or sand substrate, also do you realize that they will not eat snails bigger than 3/4 cm?

 

[tophat665]

I'm wondering if the Angelicus Loach would serve this purpose as well? They have them at my LFS, but do not have the YoYo loaches (which look similar). Anyone have experience with them?

Angelicus are lovely loaches. They are midway between Yoyos and Zebras in temperament and size. Yoyos get to 6" max, 5 usually, and are rambunctious without really being aggressive. Zebras get up to 4" (3" more usually) and are active but entirely peaceful. Angelicus are smack dab in the middle of that. I have kept a shoal of each of these (5 Yoyos and 8 Zebras in a 75 community, 5 Angelicus and 4 weatherfish in a 50 community), and I have seen all of them eat snails. Kuhlis will also eat small snails and are entirely peaceful and likely to be invisible.

Skunk Loaches, I have on good authority, are straight from hell. They will beat the living snot out of any fish that won't eat them whole. (That said, I am still pondering a tank with Skunks and Tiger Barbs).

In a 90 litre=24 gallon, go with 3 to 5 Zebras or 6 kuhlis (6 might come out from time to time. Less than 6 will hide all the time).

One thing, loaches have tiny scales (some folks say none - might as well be) that offer no protection. There can be no sharp edges in the tank or the loaches will gut themselves. I have had it happen to kuhlis. They try to worm into tight places or dig into sharp soil and lay themselves open. Kuhlis pretty much require a sand bottom. Zebras need smooth edges anywhere they might try to squeeze into, and smooth gravel or sand.

They won't eat all your snails, but they will end your snail problem.

(Love me some loaches )