Nerite snail
Neritina natalensis · Neritidae
Also known as Zebra nerite, Tiger nerite
Beginner
The most effective algae-cleaning snail; lays harmless white eggs that never hatch in fresh water.
In short: A nerite snail needs at least 20 L (5 US gal), water at 20–28 °C (68–82 °F) and pH 7–8.2. It is peaceful, usually kept singly, and rated beginner to keep.
Updated
- Minimum tank
- 20 L (5 US gal)
- Temperature
- 20–28 °C (68–82 °F)
- pH
- 7–8.2
- Adult size
- 2.5 cm (1 in)
- Group size
- 1+
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 20 L (5 US gal)
- Temperature
- 20–28 °C (68–82 °F)
- pH
- 7–8.2
- Hardness
- 6–20 dGH
- Lifespan
- 1–3 years
- Diet
- Herbivore — algae, biofilm, algae wafers, blanched veg.
- Care level
- Beginner
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- East African coastal rivers
- Water type
- Freshwater
- Biotope
- Hard-water streams near estuaries
- Natural conditions
- Hard alkaline water for shell health; no copper.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Minimum group
- 1 fish
- Swims
- All levels
- Good tank mates
- Most community fishShrimp
- Avoid
- LoachesPuffersCopper medicationSoft acidic water
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Advanced
- Sexing
- Not visually sexable.
- Notes
- Larvae need brackish water; will not breed in fresh tanks.
- Common ailments
- Shell erosion in soft waterStarvation in spotless tanks
Will it fit your tank?
Sign in and AquaLog compares Nerite snail against every tank you track — volume, water type, temperature and pH — then adds it to your livestock in one tap.
Sign in to check my tanks
