Malaysian Trumpet Snail

Melanoides tuberculata

Also known as: MTS

A burrowing snail that aerates substrate by night — useful, but it multiplies fast.

Water

Freshwater

Temperature

70–82°F

pH

7–8

Hardness

8–20 dGH

Max size

1 in

Min tank

5 gal

Temperament

Peaceful

Social

Colony (2+)

Swim level

Bottom

Diet

Omnivore

Care level

Beginner

Lifespan

1-2 years

Breeding

Livebearer

Suitability

Common

Origin

Africa and Asia (now worldwide)

MTS turn over and aerate the substrate and clean up detritus, but they breed prolifically when overfed and are nearly impossible to fully remove. Many keepers value them; others consider them a pest, depending on goals.