Nerite Snail care guide
Nerite Snail (Neritina natalensis) — minimum tank 20 L, temperature 22-28 °C, pH 7-8.5.
Overview
The Zebra Nerite Snail (Neritina natalensis) is a small freshwater snail from East Africa, prized in the planted-tank hobby for being one of the most effective algae grazers available. It does not damage live plants and has a distinctive yellow shell with bold black zebra-stripe banding.
Taxonomy
- Family: Neritidae
- Genus: Neritina
- Scientific name: Neritina natalensis
- Common synonyms: Zebra Nerite
Habitat
Native to coastal estuarine rivers of East Africa, from Mozambique through KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. Adults live in fresh water but the species has an amphidromous life cycle; larvae develop in brackish or marine water before juveniles return upstream.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 20 L (5.3 US gal)
- Adult size: 2-3 cm
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 7-8.5
- GH: 6-18 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Lifespan: 1-3 years
Diet
A specialised algivore that grazes biofilm, soft algae and diatoms from glass, decor and broad-leaved plants. Supplemental sinking algae wafers, blanched zucchini or cucumber sustain the snail in mature tanks where surface algae are limited.
Compatibility
Peaceful and entirely compatible with shrimp and small peaceful fish; will not harm any tank mate. Avoid pufferfish, loaches and large cichlids that prey on snails. Adults attach firmly to surfaces and tolerate strong current.
Breeding
Reproduction in standard freshwater aquaria does not produce viable offspring — larvae require brackish or marine water to develop. Females readily lay small hard white eggs on all surfaces; these capsules remain visible but never hatch in fresh water.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: not formally assessed. Wild populations are common across East African coastal rivers and the species is widely traded.