Latin Name:?Neritina natalensism
Other Names: Tiger Nerite Snail, Zebra Nerite Snail
These striking snails are a brilliant addition to any freshwater aquarium, known for their unique patterns and algae-eating prowess.
How hard are they to keep?
They?re pretty easy to keep, making them ideal for both novice and seasoned aquarists. As long as you provide the right conditions, they?ll thrive and help keep your tank clean.
What is its maximum size?
Nerite Ring Snails stay relatively small, growing up to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Their compact size makes them suitable for tanks of all sizes, from nano tanks to larger setups.
Where are they from?
These snails hail from the coastal and freshwater regions of East Africa, particularly around Kenya and South Africa. They?re adapted to both brackish and freshwater environments.
How many can I keep?
You can keep several of them in your tank without any issues. A good rule of thumb is one snail per 5 gallons of water to ensure they have enough algae and biofilm to eat. In larger tanks, you can certainly keep more.
How compatible are they with other fish?
Nerite Ring Snails are very peaceful and get along well with most community fish. They mind their own business and won?t bother any of their tankmates. Ideal companions include tetras, guppies, and other small, non-aggressive fish. Avoid housing them with large, aggressive species that might harm them.
What are the ideal water conditions?
These snails prefer a temperature range of 72-78?F (22-26?C) and a pH level between 7.5 and 8.5. They thrive in hard water with plenty of calcium to keep their shells healthy. Ensure your tank has good water flow and is well-filtered, with regular water changes to maintain optimal water quality. The Nerite Ring Snails that are for sale have been climatized to our water conditions.
How do you tell the difference between male and female?
It?s quite tricky to distinguish between male and female Nerite Ring Snails, as they look very similar. There are no obvious external differences, so unless they?re breeding, it?s nearly impossible to tell them apart just by looking.
Fun Fact:
Nerite Ring Snails are excellent at controlling algae. They?ll happily munch on the algae growing on your tank?s glass, decorations, and plants, making them natural cleaners. Plus, they don?t reproduce in freshwater, so you won?t end up with an overpopulation problem like you might with some other snail species.
