White Hercules Snail (Brotia herculea) - Algae Eater

The White Hercules Snail (Brotia herculea) is one of the largest freshwater snails available in the aquarium hobby. Known for their striking elongated spiral shells and peaceful demeanor, these Thai natives make excellent algae eaters and substrate cleaners. Hardy and beginner-friendly, Hercules Snails are a low-maintenance addition to any community tank.

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• Tank Size: 10 gallons minimum
• Temperature: 68–82°F (20–28°C)
• pH: 7.0–8.0
• GH: 8–15 dGH (prefers moderately hard, calcium-rich water)
• Diet: Omnivore — grazes on algae, biofilm, and detritus; supplement with algae wafers, blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach), and calcium-rich foods
• Temperament: Peaceful — completely harmless to fish and plants
• Max Size: 3–4 inches (shell length)
• Copper Sensitivity: Yes — avoid copper-based medications and fertilizers

White Hercules Snails are completely peaceful and make great additions to community tanks. Their large size makes them less likely to be bothered by fish compared to smaller snail species.

Good tank mates: Tetras, rasboras, corydoras, plecos, guppies, peaceful cichlids, shrimp, and other snails

Avoid: Pufferfish, large cichlids, assassin snails, and crayfish — these will attack or eat snails

Will fish eat my Hercules Snail?
Their large adult size protects them from most fish. However, avoid keeping them with pufferfish or large aggressive cichlids that actively hunt snails.

Are Hercules Snails safe with live plants?
Yes. They primarily eat algae, biofilm, and decaying plant matter — they do not typically damage healthy live plants.

Do they need calcium supplements?
Moderately hard water (8+ dGH) with adequate calcium supports healthy shell growth. You can supplement with cuttlebone, crushed coral, or calcium-enriched foods if your water is soft.

How many Hercules Snails can I keep?
One snail per 10 gallons is a good guideline. They produce moderate bioload for a snail due to their large size, so avoid overstocking.