Nerite Snail

Overview

Nerite snails are among the most popular aquarium snails due to their excellent algae-eating capabilities and their inability to reproduce in freshwater. They come in various colorful patterns and help keep tanks clean by consuming algae and detritus. Their shells are smooth, round, and often feature striking black and yellow/gold patterns.

Taxonomy

Kingdom:

Animalia

Phylum:

Mollusca

Class:

Gastropoda

Order:

Cycloneritida

Family:

Neritidae

Genus:

Neritina

Species:

natalensis

Distribution

Natural range: East Africa, Southeast Asia

Sexual Dimorphism

None visually apparent

Habitat

Type: Freshwater streams, Brackish water, River mouths

Substrate: Rocky surfaces, Driftwood, Plants

Water Parameters

Tank Requirements

Minimum Volume:

10 L

Recommended Volume:

20 L

Water Flow:

Low to moderate

Filtration:

Standard aquarium filtration

Aquascape:

Hard surfaces for algae growth, Plants, Rocks, Driftwood

Diet

Type: Herbivore, Detritivore

Staple foods: Algae (especially brown and green), Biofilm

Supplements: Algae wafers, Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach)

Feeding frequency: times per day

Constantly grazing; supplement only if algae growth is insufficient

Behavior

Temperament:

Peaceful

Social:

Non-social but can be kept in groups

Territorial:

No

Compatibility

Suitable tankmates: Community fish, Shrimp, Other peaceful snails

Avoid: Snail-eating fish (puffers, loaches), Crayfish, Large cichlids

Breeding

Type:

Egg layer

Spawning Behavior:

Lays white, capsule-like eggs on hard surfaces

Difficulty:

Cannot breed in freshwater - requires brackish to saltwater for larvae to develop

Notes:

Eggs will not hatch in freshwater aquariums, making these snails non-invasive

Health

Treatments: Calcium supplements for shell health, Avoid copper-based medications

Price & Availability

Price range: 2 - 5 USD

Availability: Common

References

• Nerite Snail Care Guide (Accessed: 2023-05-18)