How Long Do Aquarium Snails Live? (& Other FAQs)

If you’re about to add aquarium snails to your tank, you may be wondering how long they’ll live. In this article, not only will you find out how long different types of aquarium snails live, but you’ll also learn the answers to other frequently asked questions as well!

So keep reading to find out!

How Long Do Aquarium Snails Live?

Generally speaking, aquarium snails can live anywhere from 1 to 3 years. The amount of time they live largely depends on the type of snail, as well as how well they’re being cared for and if there are any predators in the tank.

How Long Do Mystery Snails Live?

Mystery snails tend to live for about 1 year. However, with proper care and some luck, people have known their mystery snails to live longer. But if you’re looking for a snail with a long lifespan, mystery snails aren’t your best choice.

Can Mystery Snails Live Out Of Water?

Mystery snails can’t live out of water. In fact, if left out of water for more than around 12-24 hours, the chances are they’ll dry up and die.

Factors that can help them last longer out of water include how low the temperature is, and how high the humidity is. The longer they can stay moist, the longer they can stay alive.

Can Mystery Snails Live In Cold Water

It’s best to avoid putting mystery snails in cold water, instead, make sure you’re keeping them in water that is between 68-82 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can Mystery Snails Live Without A Filter

It’s best to keep mystery snails in a tank with a filter to ensure the water stays clean and the ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels don’t rise to dangerous levels.

If you don’t have a filter yet, then you should make sure you’re testing the water regularly and you’re changing it frequently.

Racing check in the aquarium eats algae from the glass

How Long Do Nerite Snails Live?

Nerite snails also live for about a year before dying. However, with proper care, it’s possible for them to live up to 2 years!

How Long Can Nerite Snails Live Out Of Water?

Nerite snails are no different when it comes to the amount of time they can live outside of water. With high humidity and low temperature, they may survive longer, but generally, they’ll only live around 12 hours out of water.

Can Nerite Snails Live Alone?

Nerite snails have no preference on whether they’re alone or with other snails. What’s more important to consider is whether your aquarium is overstocked or not as this will have a much bigger impact on them.

Can Nerite Snails Live In A Bowl

As long as the bowl is large enough, the water is clean, and the temperature is good, it doesn’t matter whether a snail lives in a bowl or an aquarium. However, generally speaking, bowls are much harder to maintain than aquariums.

How Long Do Malaysian Trumpet Snails Live?

Malaysian trumpet snails also have quite a short lifespan, only living for around a year, up to a year and a half if the conditions are perfect.

How Long Can Malaysian Trumpet Snails Live Out Of Water

If your Malaysian trumpet snail escapes your tank, you’ll have around 12-24 hours to get them back in before they end up perishing.

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How Long Do Apple Snails Live?

If you’re looking for a snail that lives a bit longer, then consider apple snails for your aquarium as they live for around 2-3 years.

However, just make sure you’re picking apple snails and not mystery snails. Mystery snails are a type of apple snail that doesn’t live quite as long.

How Long Can Apple Snails Live Out Of Water?

If your apple snail leaves your aquarium, the chances are they’re only going to live between 8-10 hours before drying out.

So make sure you’re making your aquarium hard to escape because if they do, the chances are you won’t notice in time.

How Long Do Assassin Snails Live?

Assassin snails have quite a long lifespan, in comparison to other snails. In fact, it’s entirely possible for assassin snails to live up to 2 years, as long as you’re feeding them enough and making sure the water conditions are good.

How Long Can Assassin Snails Live Out Of Water?

If your assassin snail gets out of the tank, you’ll have around 12 hours to get them back in before they end up succumbing. Of course, this depends on the humidity and temperature outside the water. The higher the humidity, and the lower the temperature, the longer they’ll be able to survive.

How Long Do Ramshorn Snails Live?

Ramshorn snails are another type of snail that don’t live a particularly long time. Generally, you can expect your ramshorn snails to live for one year before they pass away.

How Long Can Ramshorn Snails Live Out Of Water

Ramshorn snails will live between 12-24 hours outside of water before succumbing, however, some aquarists swear that their ramshorn snails have lasted a couple of days out of water as well!

How Long Can Ramshorn Snails Live Without Food

If you planned on starving ramshorn snails out of your tank, you’re out of luck. Ramshorn snails are able to survive around up to a month without food. But more importantly, the chances of them running out of food in your tank are also incredibly slim.

How Long Do Bladder Snails Live?

Bladder snails live for around 2 years, however, depending on the conditions this could be shorter or longer. Great water conditions and an abundance of food will keep them alive longer, whereas predators and illness in the tank can drastically shorten their life.

Can Bladder Snails Live Out Of Water?

Bladder snails can’t live out of the water, and if they do escape your aquarium, they’re only going to be able to survive for around 8-10 hours.

Recap

As you can see, most snails are going to live anywhere between 1-3 years, and with the right care, you’ll be able to extend their lifespan dramatically. Most importantly though, make sure you’re not allowing snails to escape the water as they won’t survive more than a day max.

If you liked this article, make sure you check out the rest of the website! Otherwise have a great day!

About the author

Hey there! I'm Antonio, the passionate owner and chief editor of Betta Care Fish Guide. With over half a decade of hands-on experience, I've become your go-to expert for all things betta and tropical fish.

Over the past 5 years, I've not only kept bettas and other tropical fish but also connected with a diverse network of hobbyists, seasoned fishkeepers, and even veterinarians.

Now, I want to help other beginner fish keepers who had the same questions as me when they were just starting out! So they can save themselves a ton of time and keep their fish happy and healthy!