Quick answer: Bladder snails (Physella acuta, also called Physa acuta) are tiny freshwater snails with a thin, see-through, teardrop-shaped shell that opens on the left side. They grow to about 0.4 to 0.6 inches (1 to 1.5 cm), live a few months to about a year, and lay small, clear Read more
Quick answer: Cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi, also called red cherry shrimp or RCS) are small, hardy freshwater shrimp that grow to about 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 4 cm) and live 1 to 2 years. They do best in a cycled, planted tank of 5 gallons or more, at Read more
Quick answer: Malaysian trumpet snails (Melanoides tuberculata, also called red-rimmed melania or MTS) are small, cone-shaped freshwater snails that grow to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in aquariums and live roughly 1 to 2 years. They spend the day buried in the substrate, eat leftover food, detritus and algae, and Read more
Quick answer: Cherry barbs (Rohanella titteya, formerly Puntius titteya) are small, peaceful barbs from Sri Lanka that grow to about 2 inches (5 cm) and live 4 to 6 years. Keep a group of at least 6 in a planted tank of 20 gallons or more, at 73 to 81 Read more
Quick answer: Assassin snails (Anentome helena, often sold as Clea helena) are small, striped freshwater snails that hunt and eat other snails. They grow to about 0.75 to 1 inch (2 to 2.5 cm), live 2 to 3 years, and do best at 72 to 82 F with pH 7 Read more
Quick answer: Shrimp molting is when a shrimp sheds its old hard shell (exoskeleton) so it can grow. Yes, all shrimp molt, and it’s a good sign. Young cherry shrimp molt about every 1 to 2 weeks and adults every 3 to 6 weeks, while Amano and ghost shrimp molt Read more
Quick answer: Mystery snails (Pomacea diffusa) are peaceful freshwater apple snails that grow to about 2 inches (5 cm), live around 1 to 2 years, and do best at 68 to 82 F with pH 7.5 or higher and hard water for a strong shell. One snail needs about 5 Read more
Quick answer: Ramshorn snails are small, flat-coiled freshwater snails, usually under 1 inch (2.5 cm), that eat algae, leftover food and dying plant leaves. They live about 1 to 2 years, handle 64 to 80 F, need hard water with pH 7 to 8 for healthy shells, and come in Read more
Quick answer: Tiger barbs (Puntigrus tetrazona) are bold, orange and black striped schooling fish from Sumatra that grow to about 2.5 to 3 inches and live 5 to 7 years. They’re hardy and easy to feed, and they do best in a group of at least 6, ideally 8 to Read more
Quick answer: Bristlenose pleco care is easy once you get the diet right. These small South American catfish grow to about 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 cm), live 10 years or more, and do well in a 20 gallon or larger tank at 72 to 80 F (22 Read more