Mix Horned Snail (Clithon Corona)

Exotic, colourful, and wonderfully functional — the Mix Horned Snail (Clithon corona) is one of the most visually striking freshwater snails available in the hobby. Known for their ornate, spiky shells adorned with vivid patterns of black, yellow, orange, and white, these snails are both living decorations and highly effective algae eaters. A fantastic addition to planted tanks, shrimp aquariums, and community setups.

Overview

Appearance

The Mix Horned Snail comes in a delightful variety of shell patterns and colours — from bold black-and-yellow zebra stripes to intricate spotted and swirled designs in orange, cream, and black. Many individuals develop distinctive horn-like spines on their shells, adding to their exotic, prehistoric appeal. Each snail in a mix is unique, making every purchase a surprise collection of living art.

Water Parameters & Tank Setup

• Temperature: 72 – 82°F (22 – 28°C)
• pH: 7.0 – 8.0 (slightly alkaline water helps maintain shell integrity)
• General Hardness (GH): 8 – 20 dGH
• Tank Size: Suitable for tanks from 5 gallons and up
• Lighting: Moderate — promotes algae growth for grazing
• Important: Keep the tank covered — Clithon snails are known escape artists

Diet & Feeding

• Primary diet: Algae growing on glass, rocks, driftwood, and plant leaves
• Supplemental feeding: Algae wafers and blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, cucumber)
• Shell health: Cuttlebone or crushed coral helps maintain strong shells

Compatibility & Tank Mates

Completely peaceful and safe with virtually all tank inhabitants including community fish, dwarf shrimp, and other snail species. Avoid housing with snail-eating fish such as pufferfish or loaches.

Breeding

Like true nerite snails, Clithon corona requires brackish or saltwater conditions to successfully hatch larvae, so they will not overpopulate a freshwater aquarium. They may deposit small white eggs on hard surfaces, but these will not hatch in freshwater — making them a perfect, population-controlled algae cleaner.

The Mix Horned Snail is a beautiful, practical, and low-maintenance addition to any aquarium — a natural algae controller with an exotic, spiky shell that makes every individual a unique piece of living art. Add a handful and enjoy the variety they bring to your tank.