Malaysian Trumpet Snail

Melanoides tuberculata

Also sold as MTS · Red-rimmed melania · Melania

Synonyms Malaysian trumpet · Trumpet snail

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (Melanoides tuberculata) is a peaceful freshwater snail that reaches about 3 cm (1.2 in) and swims along the bottom. It wants 68–86°F (20–30°C) and pH 7–8, can be kept singly, and needs a tank of at least 5 L (1 gal).

At a glance

Type	Snail
Adult size	3 cm (1.2 in)
Minimum tank	5 L (1 gal)
Group size	Can be kept singly
Temperature	68–86°F (20–30°C)
pH	7–8
Temperament	Peaceful
GH	5–25
Lifespan	2–3 years
Eats shrimp	No

Before it goes in

Malaysian Trumpet Snail needs at least 5 L (1 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 30F Shallow.
It leaves shrimp and small fish alone.
It holds at 68–86°F (20–30°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp.
One of them takes up roughly 23% of what a 30F Shallow will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.

What tank size does it need?

At least 5 L (1 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?

68–86°F (20–30°C), pH 7–8, GH 5–25.

How long does it live?

2–3 years 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

	Malaysian Trumpet Snail	Assassin Snail	Nerite Snail
Adult size	3 cm	3 cm	2.5 cm
Min tank	5 L	10 L	10 L
Group	1+	1+	1+
Temperature	68–86°F (20–30°C)	72–82°F (22–28°C)	68–82°F (20–28°C)
Eats shrimp	No	Shrimplets only	No

More livestock

Plan a tank with Malaysian Trumpet Snail →

Sources (6) · checked Sep 2026