Melanoides tuberculata

The Malaysian Trumpet Snail, often called MTS, is a small, cone-shaped snail that is incredibly useful in a freshwater aquarium. It has an elongated, spiraling shell that is typically light to dark brown with darker mottling. These snails are champions of tank cleanliness. As detritivores, their primary job is to eat leftover fish food, decaying plant matter, and other waste that settles on the bottom. One of their most beneficial behaviors is burrowing into the sand or gravel. This constant turning of the substrate helps to aerate it, preventing the buildup of dangerous gas pockets that can harm fish.

They are mostly active at night, so you might not see them much during the day when they are hidden in the substrate. However, seeing them emerge en masse can be a useful signal; a large population often means you are overfeeding your tank. Their numbers will naturally balance out based on the available food. They are very peaceful and won't harm plants or bother fish, making them a safe addition to almost any community tank. Because they are so hardy and adaptable to different water conditions, they are considered perfect for beginner aquarists looking for a low-maintenance cleanup crew. A single snail can start a population, as they give birth to live young without needing a mate.