Overview

A spotted nerite sold under a genus-level trade name. Exact species is not confirmed by the shell pattern alone. Most small aquarium nerites reach about 2–3cm.

Scientific name: Neritina sp.

Behaviour

A peaceful grazing snail. It may climb above the waterline, so cover gaps. Brief inactivity can be normal, but ongoing failure to graze deserves attention.

Tank Size

Our recommended starting minimum is a mature 30-litre aquarium for one small snail, with established algae on several surfaces. Extra snails depend on available grazing, not simply spare litres.

These are adult housing recommendations; choose more space when adding tank mates. Allow for space occupied by substrate and décor when comparing aquarium capacities.

Compatibility

Suitable with gentle fish and shrimp in compatible water. Avoid puffers, snail-eating loaches and aggressive cichlids. Inspect new companions for picking at its antennae.

Diet

Natural algae and biofilm are essential. Offer suitable algae food as a supplement but confirm it is eaten; some nerites reject prepared food and can starve in spotless aquariums.

Care

• Temperature: 22–26°C as a planning range for common tropical stock
• pH: 7.0–8.2
• General hardness: 8–20 dGH

Keep water mineralised for shell health and avoid acidic conditions that erode shells. Do not scrub every grazing surface at once. If overturned, gently place it upright on a firm surface. Avoid copper-based treatments unless explicitly safe for this invertebrate. Egg capsules may be laid, but common nerites do not form multiplying freshwater colonies.

Add only to a fully cycled aquarium. Keep ammonia and nitrite at 0mg/l. Start with a 25–30% weekly water change using dechlorinated, temperature-matched water and adjust to test results and stocking. Rinse biological filter media in removed aquarium water rather than under the tap.

Live Animals Are Click and Collect Only. You can order online, choose click and collect, and we will hold your order for collection in store.