Nerite Snail
Neritina natalensis
Edited by Ivan F. · Reviewed
Beginner verdict
A beautifully patterned snail and one of the best algae cleaners a beginner can buy. It will not overrun your tank because its larvae need salt water, though it may leave small white eggs on hardscape. It prefers hard, alkaline water, which helps protect its shell.
Care at a glance
- Min tank size
- 5 US gal
- Temperature
- 72–82 °F
- pH
- 7.5–8.5
- Hardness
- 6–12 dGH
- Swim zone
- Bottom
- Min group
- Can live alone
- Lifespan
- 1–2 years
Nerite Snail tank mates
Danio rerio
Puntius titteya
Barbodes semifasciolatus
Poecilia reticulata
Xiphophorus maculatus
Xiphophorus hellerii
Paracheirodon innesi
Their pH ranges barely overlap, so you will have little room for error.
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Their pH ranges barely overlap, so you will have little room for error.
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
Their pH ranges barely overlap, so you will have little room for error.
Hemigrammus erythrozonus
Their pH ranges barely overlap, so you will have little room for error.
Hyphessobrycon amandae
Their pH ranges do not overlap, so one of them would always be stressed.
Boraras brigittae
Their pH ranges do not overlap, so one of them would always be stressed.
Corydoras paleatus
Their pH ranges do not overlap, so one of them would always be stressed.
Common tank-mate questions
Nerite Snail feeding and care
How to feed
- Let it graze algae and biofilm on glass, plants and hardscape.
- Add algae wafers or blanched vegetables if algae runs short.
- Do not rely on leftovers, because nerites need mainly algae.
Nerite Snail care mistakes to avoid
- Use a lid, because nerites climb out and cannot get back in.
- Expect hard white eggs on wood and glass. They will not hatch in fresh water.
- Check your water, because soft, acidic water damages their shells.
- Avoid puffers and assassin snails, which eat them.
Nerite Snail tank setup
The essentials for a small, gently filtered tank.
TankAt least 5 US gal (19 L)
The smallest tank our sources give for Nerite Snail. We list only tanks that hold this volume (allowing 10%, so a standard size counts).
Picks for Spain are still being checked. The options below are for the US, and we have not confirmed that they are sold in Spain.
Aqueon Standard Glass Aquarium 10 Gallon US
Tetra Complete LED Aquarium Kit 10 Gallon US
Why we chose these (Best 10-Gallon Fish Tank: What to Look For). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Starter kitA kit with the tank, filter and light in one box
We list only kits whose tank fits Nerite Snail, up to twice its minimum volume. A kit whose heater has a fixed setting shows only when that setting is inside Nerite Snail's temperature range.
Tetra Crescent Kit 5 US
No heater included
Tetra Complete LED Aquarium Kit 10 Gallon US
No heater included
Tetra Starter Line LED Aquarium 30 L Spain
No heater included
Why we chose these (Best Aquarium Starter Kit: What to Look For). Nobody here has used or tested them.
FilterAir-driven sponge filter
Gentle flow that small fish and long fins can handle, plus a safe home for good bacteria.
Aquarium Co-Op Coarse Sponge Filter (Small) US
Fluval AquaClear 20 Power Filter US
Tetra Brillant Filter Spain
Fluval AquaClear 20 Power Filter Spain
Why we chose these (Best Filter for a 10-Gallon Tank). Nobody here has used or tested them.
HeaterKeep it at 72–82 °F (22–28 °C)
Adjustable heater, about 5 W per gallon: 25 W at 5 gallons, 50 W at 10. Keeps a small tank stable. Adjustable models let you set the temperature your species needs. Size up for a cold room.
Fluval T50 Fully Electronic Aquarium Heater US
Aqueon Pro Adjustable Heater 50 W US
Fluval T50 Fully Electronic Aquarium Heater Spain
Eheim Thermocontrol e 50 Heater Spain
Why we chose these (Best Heater for a 10-Gallon Aquarium). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Water conditionerDechlorinator such as Seachem Prime
Tap water contains chlorine or chloramine that harms fish.
Seachem Prime US
Fritz Complete Water Conditioner US
API Betta Water Conditioner US
sera aquatan Spain
Tetra AquaSafe Spain
Sold at Kiwoko · Sold at Tiendanimal · Sold at zooplus.es · Maker's details
Why we chose these (Best Water Conditioner for Betta Fish). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Test kitLiquid kit such as API Freshwater Master
Tracks ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH while the tank cycles.
API Freshwater Master Test Kit US
API General & Carbonate Hardness Test Kit US
See it at The Shrimp Farm (a retailer; affiliate link) · Sold at Bulk Reef Supply · Maker's details
sera aqua-test box (Cl) Spain
JBL PROAQUATEST COMBISET Plus NH4 Spain
Why we chose these (Best Test Kit for a Freshwater Aquarium). Nobody here has used or tested them.
SubstrateA fine or sandy substrate is suggested.
We are still choosing products for this.
PlantsSafe with live plants
Browse all aquarium plants.
Cycle the tank before adding animals. See our guide on how to cycle a fish tank.
Where to buy Nerite Snail
We have not found a store that sells Nerite Snail under its scientific name yet. We add stores as we confirm them.
Live animals and plants travel by courier. Check the store's live-arrival guarantee, and only buy once your tank has cycled (see how to cycle a fish tank).
Some US states restrict certain species. Check our US state aquarium rules table and your state's own rules before you buy.
Nerite Snail FAQ
What size tank do Nerite Snails need?
Our sourced minimum is 5 US gallons (19 liters). A bigger, mature tank is always easier to keep stable.
What can live with Nerite Snails?
Good matches on our list include Zebra Danio, Cherry Barb and Gold Barb. Avoid Ember Tetra and Chili Rasbora.
How long do Nerite Snails live?
Care guides report about 1–2 years. Stable water and a good diet make the biggest difference.
Why is my nerite snail not moving?
Snails rest for long periods. If one has not moved for days and its shell falls open or smells bad, it has died and should be removed.
Nerite Snail facts and sources
- Type
- Snail
- Native to
- East Africa
- Adult size
- 1 in (2.5 cm)
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Diet
- Algae Grazer
- Live plants
- Yes - Loves Plants
- Breeds in freshwater
- No
Sources
- Chewy Education: Care and water figures
Spotted something wrong? Report a parameter correction.