Nerite Snail
Neritina natalensis
Synonyms Horned nerite · Zebra nerite · Tiger nerite · Olive nerite · Vittina natalensis · Clithon corona · Racer nerite
Nerite Snail (Neritina natalensis) is a peaceful freshwater snail that reaches about 2.5 cm (1 in) and swims along the bottom. It wants 68–82°F (20–28°C) and pH 6.8–8, can be kept singly, and needs a tank of at least 10 L (3 gal).
At a glance
| Type | Snail |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 2.5 cm (1 in) |
| Minimum tank | 10 L (3 gal) |
| Group size | Can be kept singly |
| Temperature | 68–82°F (20–28°C) |
| pH | 6.8–8 |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| GH | 6–16.5 |
| KH | 3–12 |
| Lifespan | 1–2 years |
| Eats shrimp | No |
Before it goes in
- Nerite Snail needs at least 10 L (3 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 45F Shallow.
- It leaves shrimp and small fish alone.
- It holds at 68–82°F (20–28°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp.
- It jumps. An open-top tank needs a lid or a low water line.
- It grazes algae hard, which is most of the reason people buy it.
- Sources say not to put it in a newly set-up tank — give the tank a few months first.
What tank size does it need?
At least 10 L (3 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 45F Shallow.
Will it eat shrimp?
No — adult shrimp and their young are both safe with it.
What water does it want?
68–82°F (20–28°C), pH 6.8–8, GH 6–16.5, KH 3–12.
How long does it live?
1–2 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.
Can it go in a new tank?
No. Sources say not to add it to a newly set-up tank — it wants a tank that has been running for months.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Cherry Shrimp, Goldfish, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio and Molly.
- Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.
Often compared with
| Nerite Snail | Assassin Snail | Malaysian Trumpet Snail | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 2.5 cm | 3 cm | 3 cm |
| Min tank | 10 L | 10 L | 5 L |
| Group | 1+ | 1+ | 1+ |
| Temperature | 68–82°F (20–28°C) | 72–82°F (22–28°C) | 68–86°F (20–30°C) |
| Eats shrimp | No | Shrimplets only | No |
More livestock
Sources (8) · checked Sep 2026
- What it eats, Mature tankaquariumcoop.com
- GH, Mature tankglassboxdiaries.com
- Jumpingaquaticarts.com
- GHfinandstem.com
- What it eatsfishlaboratory.com
- Jumpingscaleandstem.com
- aquariumbreeder.com
- aquariumcoop.com