Fish That Eat Snails

Also known as the marble cichlid or the velvet cichlid, the oscar fish is native to South America. It is known to inhabit both the Amazon and Orinoco rivers, as well as other bodies of water in the region. While endemic to South America, it is a fish species that has been introduced to other parts of the world such as North America, Asia and Africa where it has become a popular aquarium fish that eats snails.

A relatively large fish, they measure 14" (35 cm) and weigh around 3.3 lb (1.58 kg). They are usually dark-colored with reddish markings and distinctive ocelli on the dorsal fin. These are eyespots which allow for mimicry to help against predation by appearing as if they are the eyes of a predator. They are omnivorous cichlids with a carnivorous preference, feeding primarily on snails, shrimp, insects and clams which they extract from the muddy riverbed.

Also known as the freckled porcupinefish or porcupine puffer, this is a type of blowfish has a circumtropical distribution. It inhabits shallow marine waters, especially coral reefs, mangroves and grassy plains. It can measure between 12-24" (30-61 cm) and is distinguished by its long, retractable spines. Although it contains traces of tetrodotoxin, it is not highly toxic.

The jaw of the porcupine puffer forms a solid beak, ideal for cracking the shells of snails, sea urchins and hermit crabs which constitute the main part os its diet. It is a slow-moving nocturnal predator, but maneuvers precisely in complex habitats thanks to its flippers. During the day, it hides in caves and on ledges.

The Raphael catfish is spiny fish native to Brazil, Suriname and French Guiana. It lives in rivers such as the Corantijn and Maroni. For years, it was confused with striped Raphael catfish (Platydoras armatulus), but it can be distinguished because its light stripe doesn't extend all the way to its head.

It can reach up to 9.4" (24 cm) in length and is a nocturnal species that lives on rocky bottoms, among mangrove roots and in sandy areas. It can be considered a snail-eating aquarium fish, but only if it has a very large tank of over 50 gallons. It feeds on mollusks, crustaceans and organic matter, and is considered a benthic omnivore.

If you want to learn more about fish species with a more varied diet, take a look at our article asking what types of fish are omnivores?

This species lives in South America, primarily in the Amazon and Paraná-Paraguay basins. This makes it an animal of the tropical rainforest, but it mostly avoids blackwater streams. Its appearance varies with age and location, ranging in shades of silvery-gray and reddish-orange. Its color changes as it grows.

It is a versatile predator that uses ambushes, pursuit and scavenging to feed. Its diet is varied and includes fish, insects, scales, plants and, especially, snails. This is a fish that can eat snails thanks to its powerful bite. In its habitat, it stalks its prey and can take advantage of vegetation to hide before attacking.

Native to Indonesia, it is a very popular freshwater aquarium fish that eats snails. Also known as the tiger botia, it is characterized by its elongated body with a reddish-orange coloration and three distinctive black bands. It can grow up to 12" (30 cm) in length and has a downward-facing mouth with sensitive barbels.

This fish is prized not only for its attractive appearance, but also for its varied diet which includes snails, worms and vegetables. It is especially valued in planted aquariums for its ability to control bladder snail (Physella acuta) populations, making it an ally against these pests.

It is a freshwater snail-eating fish native to India, where its population is declining due to habitat degradation. It grows to approximately 9 cm in size and prefers tropical waters with moderate temperatures and a balanced pH.

It is a peaceful species, although it can show aggression toward smaller bottom-dwelling fish if stressed. Its varied diet includes snails, making it useful for controlling their populations.

This is a snail-eating fish which is considered a good tank mate for betta fish.

Also known as the dwarf pufferfish, it is a species endemic to the Western Ghats in India. It is a freshwater fish that eats snails found in various rivers and lakes in Kerala and Karnataka. It is one of the smallest pufferfish in the world, with a maximum size of 1.4" (3.5 cm). Its coloration varies from greenish yellow to dark shades, with notable differences between males and females.

In the wild, it is an opportunistic carnivore. While preferring insect larvae, also consumes crustaceans, annelids and other small invertebrates. However, in captivity, it eats freshwater snails, among other food from animal sources. It is classified as ‘Vulnerable’ by the IUCN.

Learn more about what puffer fish eat with our article on the green spotted puffer diet.

This marine fish that eats snails is also known as the Picasso trigger fish or Picassofish due to its distinct markings that resemble lines on a Cubist painting. It is a species distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific, ranging from the Red Sea to Australia and Hawaii, and inhabiting depths of 1 to 50 meters. In addition to its striking coloration, it is distinguished by its angular body and a rigid dorsal spine that it uses for defense.

This fish has a strong jaw with sharp teeth, allowing it to consume hard-shelled prey such as snails. In addition to snails, its diet includes crustaceans, sea urchins fish, corals and even reef algae.

Discover some different types of algae-eating aquarium fish with our related guide.

Also known as the South American estuarine puffer, it inhabits the Atlantic coast of South America. It moves between living in fresh and salt waters. Its body is green above and white below, with thin black bands on its back.

Its diet is carnivorous and consists of mollusks (especially snails), clams and shrimp, making it a major predator of hard-shelled invertebrates. Like other pufferfish, it can inflate itself as a defense mechanism, making itself harder for predators to catch.

Image: biogeodb.stri.si.edu

The last of our fish that it snails is another freshwater pufferfish. Also known as the Nile puffer or globe fish, the fahaka puffer lives in various regions of Africa, including the Nile River and other major river systems. Reaching a length of 17" (43 cm), it is a robust and solitary fish. Its diet consists primarily of benthic mollusks, such as freshwater mussels and snails. It crushes them with its powerful jaws to eat the soft inner parts.

It is found in open and vegetated waters. Like other pufferfish, it can inflate itself when threatened. It also possesses tetrodotoxin, a potent toxin that makes it dangerous to predators.

Now you have some idea of the types of fish that eat snails, you may want to discover some of the animals that can clean up and aquarium.

If you want to read similar articles to Fish That Eat Snails, we recommend you visit our Facts about the animal kingdom category.