Bladder Snail
Physella acuta
Also sold as pest snail · Physa · Physella
Synonyms Pond snail · Physa acuta · Tadpole snail
Bladder Snail (Physella acuta) is a peaceful freshwater snail that reaches about 1.2 cm (0.5 in) and swims along the bottom. It wants 59–86°F (15–30°C) and pH 6.5–8, can be kept singly, and needs a tank of at least 1 L (0 gal).
At a glance
| Type | Snail |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 1.2 cm (0.5 in) |
| Minimum tank | 1 L (0 gal) |
| Group size | Can be kept singly |
| Temperature | 59–86°F (15–30°C) |
| pH | 6.5–8 |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| GH | 3–20 |
| Lifespan | 6–12 months |
| Eats shrimp | No |
Before it goes in
- Bladder Snail needs at least 1 L (0 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 30F Shallow.
- It leaves shrimp and small fish alone.
- It holds at 59–86°F (15–30°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp.
What tank size does it need?
At least 1 L (0 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 30F Shallow.
Will it eat shrimp?
No — adult shrimp and their young are both safe with it.
What water does it want?
59–86°F (15–30°C), pH 6.5–8, GH 3–20.
How long does it live?
6–12 months in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Cherry Shrimp, Goldfish, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio and Molly.
- Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.
Often compared with
| Bladder Snail | Ramshorn Snail | Nerite Snail | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 1.2 cm | 2 cm | 2.5 cm |
| Min tank | 1 L | 5 L | 10 L |
| Group | 1+ | 1+ | 1+ |
| Temperature | 59–86°F (15–30°C) | 64–82°F (18–28°C) | 68–82°F (20–28°C) |
| Eats shrimp | No | No | No |
More livestock
Sources (3) · checked Sep 2026
- What it eatsaquariumcoop.com
- aquariumbreeder.com
- bantam.earth