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Contents
Overview
The nerite snail (Neritina natalensis) lives in coastal rivers and estuaries of eastern and southern Africa. Its rounded shell, about 0.8-1 inch (2-2.5 cm), shows very different patterns depending on the individual and where it was collected: the zebra nerite, with black stripes on yellow, is the best known, but there are spotted and tiger-patterned forms too.
It is the go-to snail for algae control: it cleans glass, rocks, wood and tough leaves without eating plants, and it can't reproduce in fresh water, so there is no risk of a snail explosion. Great for beginners and for planted or shrimp tanks.
Care and tank setup
Its needs are simple, but a few details make all the difference.
- Water: medium to hard with pH 7 or higher. In soft, acidic water the shell cracks and pits.
- Lid: mandatory. Nerites are escape artists and often turn up dried out on the floor.
- Algae: don't add one to a brand-new tank; with no algae or biofilm it can starve.
- Acclimation: slow drip. Many arrive weak from import.
- Copper: toxic. Watch out for fish medications.
- Upside down: if it ends up on its back on smooth substrate, flip it.
It lives with peaceful fish, shrimp and other snails. Avoid loaches, puffers, crabs and cichlids that may attack it. A motionless snail isn't always dead: if it smells bad, remove it right away.
Feeding
An herbivore that scrapes green algae, brown diatoms and biofilm. If those run short, offer spirulina or algae wafers and blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach. It won't look for food at the surface: place it on the bottom or on a nearby rock. One snail per 5-10 gallons is usually enough; with more, natural food runs out and you'll need to supplement more often.
Breeding
Nerites do not breed in fresh water. They lay small, hard white eggs on rocks, wood and glass, but the larvae need brackish water to develop and never hatch successfully in the aquarium. For many keepers those white dots are the only downside; scrape them off with a razor blade or a plastic card.
Compatible tank mates
Species from our database that share water parameters, size and temperament with the Nerite snail. Calculated from the data in each profile.
Bristlenose pleco Ancistrus sp. 26 gal (100 L) · 72–81 °F (22–27 °C) 
Cherry barb Puntius titteya 16 gal (60 L) · 73–81 °F (23–27 °C) 
Tiger barb Puntigrus tetrazona 26 gal (100 L) · 72–79 °F (22–26 °C) 
Betta fish Betta splendens 7 gal (25 L) · 75–82 °F (24–28 °C) 
Common goldfish Carassius auratus 79 gal (300 L) · 50–75 °F (10–24 °C) 
Bronze cory Corydoras aeneus 21 gal (80 L) · 72–81 °F (22–27 °C) 
Zebra danio Danio rerio 16 gal (60 L) · 64–77 °F (18–25 °C) 
Amano shrimp Caridina multidentata 11 gal (40 L) · 64–82 °F (18–28 °C) 
Cherry shrimp Neocaridina davidi 5 gal (20 L) · 64–81 °F (18–27 °C) 
Guppy Poecilia reticulata 14 gal (54 L) · 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) 
Molly Poecilia sphenops 26 gal (100 L) · 75–82 °F (24–28 °C) 
Platy Xiphophorus maculatus 16 gal (60 L) · 68–79 °F (20–26 °C) Check the compatibility of your whole tank →
What not to keep it with
Popular species you shouldn’t house with the Nerite snail, and why.
- Clown loach: eats snails
- Oscar: eats snails
Recommended equipment
What you need to keep the Nerite snail healthy, checked against Amazon stock.
Frequently asked questions
How many liters does a Nerite snail need?
At least about 20 liters. More space always helps keep the water stable.
What water temperature does the Nerite snail need?
Between 22 and 28 °C, with a pH of 7 to 8.5.
What fish can live with the Nerite snail?
Based on water, size and temperament, it fits with species such as Bristlenose pleco, Cherry barb, Tiger barb, Betta fish and Common goldfish. Use our compatibility calculator to check your whole tank.
