How to Identify Great Ramshorn Snail

To identify Great Ramshorn Snail (Planorbarius corneus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

rounded

Coloration

Shell is typically dark brown to reddish-brown, sometimes with darker bands. The body of the snail is dark grey to reddish-brown, often appearing red due to hemoglobin.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

Planospiral (flat coiled) shell, resembling a ram's horn, up to 35 mm in diameter., Presence of hemoglobin in blood, giving a reddish hue to the body and allowing survival in low oxygen., Two long, slender tentacles with eyes at their base.

Dorsal fin

N/A (mollusk)

Tail fin

N/A (mollusk)

Pectoral fin

N/A (mollusk)

Distinctive fins

N/A (mollusk)

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Shell Shape

   Look for the distinctive flat, discoidal, planospiral shell, which coils in a single plane. This is the primary distinguishing feature from most other freshwater snails.

2. 2

   Shell Size

   Adult shells can reach up to 35 mm in diameter, making it one of the larger ramshorn snail species.

3. 3

   Coloration

   The dark brown to reddish-brown shell and often reddish body are characteristic. The reddish body is due to hemoglobin, which is visible through the translucent skin.

4. 4

   Tentacles

   Observe the two long, slender tentacles with eyes located at their base, which are typical for this species.

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