Can Apple Snail and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) Live Together?

🟢Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Apple Snail and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) are ideal tank mates. Both species share compatible water parameters and peaceful temperaments, making them well-suited for a community aquarium. A minimum tank size of 180 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Apple Snail

Pomacea maculata

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)

Melanoides tuberculata

🐟Family Group
Apple Snail
Invertebrates
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Invertebrates
Temperament
Apple Snail
Peaceful (0/10)
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Peaceful (0/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Apple Snail
20–28°C
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
18–32°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Apple Snail
7.2–8.5
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
7–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Apple Snail
8–25
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
8–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Apple Snail
Freshwater Only
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Brackish Tolerant
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Apple Snail
Low
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 180 L
Apple Snail
150 L
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
5 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Apple Snail
BottomMiddleTop
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Apple Snail
Plant DestroyerHyperactive / Fast SwimmerAggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Nocturnal

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Apple Snail and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) are peaceful species with an aggression score of 0/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

Apple Snail and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) both frequent the Bottom (Substrate) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

Worth noting: Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 20°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7.2 and 8.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 8–25 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range. An aquarium test kit is recommended for monitoring.

Tank Setup

To house Apple Snail and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 180 litres with a minimum length of 90 cm. This accounts for the larger species' space requirements with an additional 20 % buffer to reduce territorial tension.

Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Established Algae (Otocinclus), Shells (Breeding/Hiding), Sand (Sifters), Soil / Nutrient Rich. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with low (still water) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Find the right tank equipment

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can Apple Snail and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) live together?

Yes. Apple Snail and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do Apple Snail and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) need?

A minimum of 180 litres (tank length at least 90 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.

What water temperature is best for Apple Snail and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) together?

Keep the aquarium between 20°C and 28°C. A target of around 24.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Apple Snail or Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) aggressive?

Apple Snail is peaceful (0/10) and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) is peaceful (0/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Apple Snail and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) need?

Both species overlap in the 7.2–8.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Does Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) is most active after lights-out, which naturally reduces daytime encounters with its tank mate. This can actually be beneficial, as both fish get undisturbed time to feed and explore. Just ensure food reaches Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) during evening hours.


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