Malayan Trumpet Snail (Melanoides tuberculata)

lauraleellbp

I personally think these snails are the workhorses of the planted tank. Much like earthworms in an outside garden. They burrow through the top inch or so of the substrate, so they help oxygenate plant roots as well as help prevent hydrogen sulfide pockets. Also, since they're livebearers, they won't leave any yucky snail egg casings all over the tank walls and plants.

As with most snails their population does tend to explode from time to time; especially if you're overfeeding the fish. They're easy to bait and remove from the tank, however; I use sinking catfish wafers and place them inside a fish net resting on the bottom of the tank. Just lift the net in a few hours and you'll have tons of snails inside.

Gar

I agree with LL - if the population gets too big, add something that will eat them. Lord knows one will never be rid of them all without hours of tedious work!