Can oscars live with mystery snails?
Verdict
Yes, with care
Yes, with care. Oscars and mystery snails can share a tank, but watch one thing. Large oscars crack or pick at small snails. A big mystery snail has better odds than a ramshorn.
What to watch
- Watch outLarge oscars crack or pick at small snails. A big mystery snail has better odds than a ramshorn.
- Watch outOscars grow to 12 inches and need 75 gallons, far more than a tank set up for mystery snails.
What works
- Both are fine at 74–81°F.
- pH 7–8 suits both.
- They use different parts of the tank: oscars the mid, mystery snails the bottom.
Water side by side
Size to scale
Care at a glance
| Oscar | Mystery snail | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 74–81 °F | 68–82 °F |
| pH | 6–8 | 7–8 |
| Adult size | 12.0 in | 2.0 in |
| Minimum tank | 75 gal | 5 gal |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive | Peaceful |
| Swims at | Middle | Bottom |
| Group | Alone or in pairs | Alone or in pairs |
| Diet | Carnivore | Omnivore |
Better tank mates for oscars
Common plecoYes
Clown loachYes
Black ghost knifeYes
BichirYes
Elephant nose fishYes
Chinese algae eaterYes
Better tank mates for mystery snails
Questions
Can oscars live with mystery snails?
Yes, with care. Oscars and mystery snails can share a tank, but watch one thing. Large oscars crack or pick at small snails. A big mystery snail has better odds than a ramshorn.
What temperature suits both oscars and mystery snails?
74–81 °F. Oscars need 74–81 °F, mystery snails need 68–82 °F.
What size tank do oscars and mystery snails need together?
At least 75 gal, set by the oscar. Add space for each extra fish.