Zebra Nerite Snail

Zebra Nerite Snails (Neritina natalensis), named for their striking black and gold striped shells, are popular freshwater snails known for their algae-eating abilities and ease of care. They are peaceful and non-invasive, making them a great addition to most aquariums. 

Tank Setup

• Tank Size: Zebra Nerite snails can thrive in tanks as small as 20 litres, though more space is preferable if housing multiple snails or fish.
• Substrate: Any substrate can work, but smooth gravel or sand is ideal to prevent shell damage. They will often explore the tank surfaces, glass, and decorations.
• Decor: Include rocks, driftwood, and live plants to provide surfaces for the snails to graze on algae.
• Lid: It’s important to have a tight-fitting lid as Zebra Nerite snails may occasionally climb out of the tank. They can survive for a short time outside water but should be placed back in quickly.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: Zebra Nerite snails prefer tropical conditions with temperatures between 22-26°C.
• pH: Keep the pH between 7.0 and 8.5. They do best in slightly alkaline water to support healthy shell development.
• Hardness: Hard water (GH of 6-12) is necessary for proper shell growth. Soft water can lead to shell erosion.
• Salinity: While Zebra Nerites are freshwater snails, they can tolerate brackish water. However, they should not be kept in pure saltwater conditions.

Diet

• Algae Eaters: Zebra Nerite snails are excellent at cleaning algae from tank surfaces, including glass, rocks, and decorations.
• Supplement: If there isn’t enough algae, supplement their diet with sinking algae wafers or blanched vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or lettuce.
• Calcium: A calcium-rich diet is essential for strong shell health. You can add cuttlebone to the tank or offer calcium supplements to maintain their shell integrity.

Tankmates

• Compatibility: Zebra Nerite snails are very peaceful and can be kept with almost any non-aggressive tankmates. Ideal companions include tetras, guppies, bettas, rasboras, Corydoras, and shrimp.
• Avoid: Avoid keeping them with aggressive or snail-eating species, such as certain cichlids, loaches, or puffers, which may harm or eat them.

Water Quality & Maintenance

• Filtration: Ensure proper filtration and water circulation to maintain clean water. Avoid high ammonia or nitrite levels, as snails are sensitive to poor water conditions.
• Water Changes: Perform regular water changes (10-20% weekly) to maintain stable and healthy water parameters.
• Shell Health: Check regularly for any signs of shell deterioration (such as pitting or holes). Poor water quality, especially low calcium levels or acidic water, can erode their shells.

Behavior

• Active Grazers: Zebra Nerite snails are constantly on the move, searching for algae. They’ll spend most of their time on the tank walls, plants, and decorations.
• Non-Burrowing: Unlike some snails, Zebra Nerites don’t burrow into the substrate.
• Escape Artists: Be aware that they can sometimes venture out of the water, particularly if the water quality is poor or there's an insufficient food supply. A lid is essential to keep them safely in the tank.

Breeding

• Breeding Challenges: Zebra Nerite snails will lay eggs in freshwater tanks, but these eggs will not hatch. They require brackish water to reproduce successfully.
• Eggs: Their eggs are small white dots, often laid on glass or decorations, and can be difficult to remove. However, they are harmless, and since they don’t hatch in freshwater, overpopulation is not an issue.

Health and Disease Prevention

• Shell Erosion: One of the main health concerns is shell erosion, which is often a sign of low pH or insufficient calcium in the water. Ensure proper water parameters and provide calcium supplements if needed.
• Parasites: Snails are generally hardy, but they can occasionally carry parasites when introduced to a new tank. Quarantining new snails before adding them to the main tank can help prevent introducing parasites to the aquarium.

Cleaning the Aquarium

• Algae Control: While Zebra Nerite snails are great at controlling algae, they won’t clean all types of algae. Soft algae like green or brown algae are their primary food sources, but they may not eat tougher algae like black beard algae or blue-green algae.
• Balance: A single Zebra Nerite snail can help keep algae in check in small tanks, but you may need several snails for larger setups. However, don’t overstock, as they need sufficient food and space.

By providing a clean, algae-rich environment with stable water conditions, Zebra Nerite snails will thrive and contribute to the overall health of your aquarium by keeping it clean from algae.