Ramshorns snails are usually found in two different skin colorations: black or red. Unlike other snails that have a green or black skin coloration, the red ramshorn have blood containing hemoglobin and the skin lack the dark pigment called “melanin”. Consequently, the red ramshorn have a red skin, which is the color of their blood. Their shells can range in color from varying shades of browns to deep black. Some can even be translucent. It is believed that the darker colors are the result of dietary materials that are usually found in the ponds and swampy areas (usually not available in the aquarium).

Ramshorn snails are lung breathers that use large folds of skin to trap air in a pulmonary sac located in the outer whirl of the shell. It is sometimes possible to see the pulmonary sac by placing the snail in front of a light (look for an air-filled space).

Considered to be a good addition to an aquarium as part of the clean-up crew, these snails have a strong appetite and will get rid of all algae in no time. They also clean the surface of the plants, not to mention that they will travel around the whole aquarium eating rotting leaves, algae and also carcasses that have been missed.