Red Spotted Nerite Snail

Scientific Name: Neritina sp.
Common Name: Red Spotted Nerite Snail

Red Spotted Nerite Snails are colorful freshwater snails prized for their distinctive reddish-orange shells covered with dark spots and markings. In addition to their appearance, they are excellent natural grazers that spend much of the day cleaning algae and biofilm from aquarium glass, rocks, driftwood, decorations, and other hard surfaces. Aqua Huna currently identifies its stock as Neritina sp. rather than assigning a more specific species name, so I would use that same identification on Felipe's Fish rather than guessing at a species.

Like other Nerite Snails, Red Spotted Nerites are peaceful and generally leave healthy aquarium plants alone. They are particularly useful in planted and community aquariums where customers want an attractive snail that also provides natural algae control.

Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Adult Size: Approximately 1 inch
Minimum Tank Size: 5 gallons
Temperature: 72–79°F
pH: 7.0–8.2
GH: 6–15 dGH
Diet: Herbivore / Algae & Biofilm Grazer
Recommended Quantity: Approximately 1 per 5–10 gallons, depending on available algae and biofilm. Nerites do not need to be kept in groups.

Recommended Setup: A mature, fully cycled aquarium containing established algae and biofilm is ideal. Provide plenty of grazing surfaces such as aquarium glass, rocks, driftwood, and decorations. A secure lid is recommended because Nerite Snails can occasionally climb above the waterline.

Red Spotted Nerites prefer neutral-to-alkaline, mineral-rich water. Adequate calcium and hardness help maintain healthy shell growth, while prolonged exposure to very soft or acidic water can contribute to shell erosion.

Diet: Natural algae and biofilm should form an important part of their diet. If the aquarium does not produce enough natural food, supplement with algae wafers and appropriate vegetable-based foods. Avoid placing too many Nerites in a newly established or extremely clean aquarium where natural grazing material is limited.

Breeding: Nerite Snails are particularly useful for aquarists who don't want a snail population explosion. Females can deposit small white eggs on hard aquarium surfaces, but the larvae require brackish/saltwater conditions to develop successfully. Therefore, they will not establish a reproducing population in a normal freshwater aquarium.

Compatibility: Red Spotted Nerites are peaceful and generally compatible with freshwater shrimp and peaceful community fish. Avoid Assassin Snails, puffers, snail-eating loaches, and other animals known to prey on snails.

Please Note: Individual Red Spotted Nerite Snails naturally vary in shell color, spotting, pattern, and size. Aqua Huna selects males and females randomly and does not guarantee a particular sex. Aqua Huna also notes that snails may remain inactive following shipping and can sometimes take 24–48 hours to begin moving after being introduced to the aquarium.

All livestock from Felipe’s Fish is carefully selected and prepared for safe transport. Please review our shipping and Live Arrival Guarantee policies before ordering.