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Olive Nerite Snail (Neritina reclivata) Care Guide

A smooth-shelled nerite snail with a distinctive olive green to dark brown coloration. One of the most efficient algae-eating snails in the hobby.

Overview

Neritina reclivata is a species in the family Neritidae. A smooth-shelled nerite snail with a distinctive olive green to dark brown coloration. One of the most efficient algae-eating snails in the hobby. Cannot reproduce in freshwater, preventing population explosions.

Taxonomy

  • Family: Neritidae
  • Genus: Neritina
  • Scientific name: Neritina reclivata
  • Other names: Olive Nerite
  • Origin: North America, United States

Habitat

Neritina reclivata, a nerite from brackish coastal streams and estuaries of the southern United States and the Gulf coast. An active algae grazer in the aquarium; its larvae require salt water, so it will not overpopulate a freshwater tank.

Tank requirements

  • Minimum tank volume: 20 L
  • Temperature: 22-28 °C
  • pH: 7-8.5
  • GH: 6-18 °dGH
  • Water flow: low
  • Adult size: 1.5-2.5 cm
  • Lifespan: 1-3 years
  • Difficulty: beginner

Diet

Classified as herbivore. Recommended feeding frequency: self-feeding. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

  • Temperament: peaceful
  • Position in tank: bottom
  • Compatible tank mates: Any Peaceful Fish, Cherry Shrimp, Corydoras, Otocinclus
  • Avoid with: Assassin Snail, Clown Loach, Puffer Fish

Breeding

  • Breeding strategy: egg-layer
  • Breeding difficulty: advanced

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