Turret Nerite care guide
Turret Nerite (Vittina turrita) — minimum tank 20 L, temperature 22-28 °C, pH 7-8.5.
Overview
Turret Nerite (Vittina turrita) is a nerite snail of the family Neritidae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as a beginner-level species. Asian nerite with cream and brown wavy radial pattern that resembles flowing threads. Excellent algae grazer.
Taxonomy
- Family: Neritidae
- Genus: Vittina
- Scientific name: Vittina turrita
- Common synonyms: Sun Thread Nerite
Habitat
Neritid snails inhabit tropical and subtropical coastal streams and estuaries worldwide. Most species require brackish or marine water for larval development, although adults thrive in pure freshwater aquariums and graze algae continuously. In the Aquairi knowledge base this species is recorded from Southeast Asia.
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
- KH: 4-12 °dKH
- Lifespan: 1-2 years
Diet
The species is a herbivore, grazing algae, biofilm and decaying matter from surfaces and substrate; in aquaria its diet is supplemented with algae wafers and blanched vegetables when natural growth is scarce.
Compatibility
The Aquairi knowledge base lists this species as peaceful. Suitable tank mates include Peaceful fish, Shrimp. It should be kept away from Loaches, Pufferfish.
Breeding
Reproduction is egg-laying, and aquarium breeding is rated very difficult. Larvae require brackish or marine water to develop, so the species rarely overpopulates a freshwater aquarium.