Can Ramshorn Snail and Red Phantom Tetra Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Ramshorn Snail and Red Phantom Tetra 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 60 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Ramshorn Snail

Planorbidae fam.

Red Phantom Tetra

Hyphessobrycon sweglesi

🐠Family Group
Ramshorn Snail
Invertebrates
Red Phantom Tetra
Characins
Temperament
Ramshorn Snail
Peaceful (0/10)
Red Phantom Tetra
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Ramshorn Snail
15–30°C
Red Phantom Tetra
20–24°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Ramshorn Snail
7–8.5
Red Phantom Tetra
4.5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Ramshorn Snail
8–20
Red Phantom Tetra
1–10
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Ramshorn Snail
Freshwater Only
Red Phantom Tetra
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Ramshorn Snail
Low
Red Phantom Tetra
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 60 L
Ramshorn Snail
5 L
Red Phantom Tetra
60 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Ramshorn Snail
BottomMiddleTop
Red Phantom Tetra
Middle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Ramshorn Snail
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)
Red Phantom Tetra
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Ramshorn Snail and Red Phantom Tetra?

Compatibility is only part of the answer. Test both fish with your real tank size, current stock, and maintenance needs to see if you have enough space and a safe stocking level before you add them.

Ramshorn Snail
Red Phantom Tetra
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Ramshorn Snail is a peaceful species (0/10), while Red Phantom Tetra is peaceful (1/10). This modest difference means Red Phantom Tetra may occasionally assert dominance over Ramshorn Snail.

Ramshorn Snail and Red Phantom Tetra both frequent the Middle (Open Water) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 20°C and 24°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 22.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 8–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Ramshorn Snail and Red Phantom Tetra together, plan for an aquarium of at least 60 litres with a minimum length of 60 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

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), Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating, Leaf Litter/Blackwater. 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.

Why This Pairing Works in Practice

Ramshorn Snail and Red Phantom Tetra work best when the tank gives each fish enough room to use its preferred level of the aquarium and enough cover to avoid constant visual contact. The score matters, but the real-world success usually comes from matching their pace, keeping water stable, and resisting the urge to crowd the tank just because the pair looks safe on paper.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Ramshorn Snail and Red Phantom Tetra.

Show 19 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Ramshorn Snail and Red Phantom Tetra live together?

Yes. Ramshorn Snail and Red Phantom Tetra are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do Ramshorn Snail and Red Phantom Tetra need?

A minimum of 60 litres (tank length at least 60 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 Ramshorn Snail and Red Phantom Tetra together?

Keep the aquarium between 20°C and 24°C. A target of around 22.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Ramshorn Snail or Red Phantom Tetra aggressive?

Ramshorn Snail is peaceful (0/10) and Red Phantom Tetra is peaceful (1/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Ramshorn Snail and Red Phantom Tetra need?

Both species overlap in the 7–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.

Last reviewed
May 11, 2026
Last updated
May 11, 2026
Issues or corrections?
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