Species profile
Nerite Snail
Neritina sp.
Peaceful
Easy care
30 L minimum aquarium
2–3 cm adult size
Bottom all
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Great algae grazer. Eggs do not hatch in freshwater, so no overpopulation.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
22–26 °C
pH
7.2–8.2
GH
Not yet documented
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Bottom all
Territory level
None
Predation risk
None
Bioload factor
0.2
Peaceful algae-grazing snail. Keep in a mature aquarium with mineral-rich water and a tight lid; many nerites readily leave the water and can escape.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
Yes
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Herbivore
Minimum aquarium volume
30 L
Minimum footprint
30 × 20 cm
Alternative names
Nerite Snail, Neritina sp., Freshwater Nerite (trade group)
Native range
Not assignable for this generic trade-group record; aquarium 'nerites' are imported under several freshwater and amphidromous species names.
Natural habitat
Generic care only: provide hard surfaces with natural algae/biofilm, stable mineral availability and no copper-based medications.
Diet & feeding
Primarily algae/biofilm grazer. Mature natural grazing surfaces are important; some individuals are reluctant to accept substitute foods.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
External sexing is generally unreliable for a generic trade-group record.
Breeding
Breeding biology varies by species. Many common aquarium nerites lay eggs in freshwater but require brackish/marine larval development, so eggs usually do not produce juveniles in a normal freshwater tank.