Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Live Plant Safe: Yes

General Description: The Nerite Snail may be one of the most favorite snails among freshwater hobbyists for the established freshwater aquarium. Coming in a variety of colors and patterns, the Nerite snail is your one stop shop for all your algae-controlling needs. This snail species cannot reproduce in freshwater and they do not eat live plants. A relatively undemanding and hardy species, Nerite snails grow to approximately 1″ to 1-1/2″ in size. Note: Nerite snails are known for climbing out of open top aquariums if the water line is too high.

Diet Requirements: Nerite snails are herbivores, consuming various alga on the glass, decorations, and off of live plants. These snails are also opportunistic, consuming other foods that have made their way to the bottom of the aquarium. They will even clean up decaying or dead plant matter. If the aquarium appears sparse in such natural food resources, providing Nerite snails with occasional high quality algae wafers is appreciated.

Care Requirements: An established minimum 3 to 5 gallon aquarium is ideal for a couple of Nerite snails. Size up accordingly to accommodate many individuals; more snails equates to more natural food resources needed to sustain them. Additionally, given that snails are constantly feeding they do produce a good amount of waste. In too small of aquariums, this bioload can become a problem. Nerite snails are very intolerable of nitrite or ammonia spikes. Weekly or biweekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters up to standard (Nitrates < 20 ppm), especially a stable pH that is necessary for appropriate shell growth and maintenance. Avoid the use of copper based medications as this will cause harm to, or even kill, your snail. Nerite snails tend to be active throughout most of the day – if your Nerite snail suddenly sits in a single spot for a few days, it is encouraged to check that your snail is still alive by pressing on its trapdoor. A live snail will have some resistance or close its trapdoor, while a dead snail will be easy to maneuver this trapdoor or it may even be slightly open. Rotting snails can result in a sudden ammonia spike, which may be more dramatic in smaller aquariums. Nerite snails are compatible with a range of community-type fish species. Given their small adult size however, they are best suited for nano aquariums. Avoid assassin snails or other carnivorous invertebrates such as crayfish that will make a snack out of your Nerite snail. Recommended water conditions, 72-82° F, KH 2-12, pH 7.5-8.5.

Purchase Size: 1/2” to 3/4”

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.