Zebra Nerite Snail

Scientific Name: Neritina sp.
Common Name: Zebra Nerite Snail

Zebra Nerite Snails are popular freshwater aquarium snails known for their bold striped shells and excellent algae-grazing ability. They continuously browse hard surfaces such as aquarium glass, rocks, driftwood, and decorations for algae and biofilm, making them a useful addition to planted and community aquariums.

Unlike many freshwater snails, Nerite Snails will not establish a reproducing population in a normal freshwater aquarium. Females may still leave small white eggs on hard surfaces, but successful larval development requires brackish or marine conditions.

Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Adult Size: Approximately 1 inch
Minimum Tank Size: 5 gallons
Temperature: 72–78°F
pH: 7.0–8.5
GH: 6–20 dGH
Diet: Herbivore / Algae & Biofilm Grazer
Recommended Quantity: 1 snail per roughly 5–10 gallons, depending on available algae and biofilm.

Recommended Setup: Keep Zebra Nerite Snails in a mature, fully cycled aquarium containing established algae and biofilm. Rocks, driftwood, aquarium glass, and other hard surfaces provide important grazing areas. They are especially useful in planted tanks because they spend much of their time grazing surfaces without intentionally consuming healthy aquarium plants.

Harder, mineral-rich water is preferable because calcium and other minerals are important for maintaining healthy shells. Chronically acidic or extremely soft water can contribute to shell erosion.

Diet: Naturally occurring algae and biofilm should make up an important part of their diet. If the aquarium does not produce enough natural food, algae wafers and appropriate vegetable-based foods can be offered. Avoid putting too many Nerites into an extremely clean or newly established aquarium where there may not be enough natural grazing material.

Compatibility: Zebra Nerites are peaceful and work well with most peaceful community fish and freshwater shrimp. Avoid keeping them with known snail predators, including Assassin Snails.

Please Note: Shell coloration and stripe patterns naturally vary between individual Zebra Nerite Snails. Females may deposit small white eggs on aquarium glass, rocks, wood, or decorations. These eggs generally will not hatch in freshwater.

Aqua Huna also notes that shipped snails can remain inactive for a period after arrival; their general snail guidance says some may 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.