Nerite Snail

Vittina natalensis

A slow but unstoppable algae-eater with a zebra-striped shell. It cannot breed in fresh water, so it never overruns a tank.

A peaceful freshwater snail that grows to 2.5 cm, lives near the bottom and needs 20–28 °C, pH 7.0–8.4 and an aquarium of at least 10 L.

Care at a glance

Water

Freshwater

Temperature

20–28 °C (68–82 °F)

pH

7.0–8.4

Adult size

2.5 cm (1.0 in)

Aquarium

10 L or bigger (3 US gal)

Temperament

Peaceful

Group size

Fine on its own

Swims

Bottom

Diet

Herbivore

Wild home

East African estuaries

Good to know

• Algae eater. Keeps algae under control.
• Glass cleaner. Clings to the glass and wood while grazing.
• Bottom crawler. Walks along the substrate.
• Hardy. Tolerates less-than-perfect water. Great for beginners.

Tank mates

Good company: Cherry Barb, Dwarf Gourami, Ember Tetra, Endler's Livebearer, Fancy Guppy, Glowlight Tetra, Harlequin Rasbora, Honey Gourami, Neon Tetra, Platy.

Eaten by: Black Ghost Knifefish, Clown Loach, Flowerhorn, Frontosa, Jack Dempsey, Motoro Stingray, Olm, Ornate Bichir, Pea Puffer, Pictus Catfish, Sunshine Peacock Cichlid, Yellow Lab Cichlid.

It gets along with every other species that doesn't eat it.

Colours

• Zebra common
• Tiger common
• Horned uncommon

The care values are the ones Aquarius uses, based on how these animals live. Tank mates follow the game's rules: water type, temperature and pH, who can swallow whom, fin nipping, temperament and territory.