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
- Single fish
- Lifespan
- 1–2 years
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 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
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 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.
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.
Complete the tank
The essentials for a small, gently filtered tank.
Tank size for this species
At least 5 US gallons (19 L)
Filter
Air-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.
Heater
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 Conditioner
Dechlorinator 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
Maker's page · Sold at Kiwoko · Sold at Tiendanimal · Sold at zooplus.es
Why we chose these (Best Water Conditioner for Betta Fish). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Test Kit
Liquid 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
Maker's page · Sold at The Shrimp Farm · Sold at Bulk Reef Supply
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.
Cycle the tank before adding animals. See our guide on how to cycle a fish tank.