Description

Nerite Zebra Snail (Neritina natalensis)

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Neritina natalensis

• Family: Neritidae

• Origin: Africa (coastal rivers and streams)

• Size: 1 – 1.5 inches (2.5 – 3.8 cm)

• Lifespan: 1 – 3 years

• Tank Zone: Bottom & glass surfaces

🌊 Water Parameters

• TDS: 150 – 250 ppm

• pH: 7.0 – 8.4 (needs alkaline water)

• Temperature: 22 – 28°C (72 – 82°F)

• Hardness: 6 – 12 dGH

🐌 Characteristics

• Recognized by their black-and-golden zebra-like shell patterns.

• Peaceful, non-aggressive, and excellent algae eaters.

• Cannot reproduce in freshwater (eggs won’t hatch), so no overpopulation.

• Active during the day, often seen grazing on glass, rocks, and plants.

🍽️ Food

• Type: Herbivorous (algae specialist).

• Diet: Algae on tank surfaces, algae wafers, blanched veggies (zucchini, cucumber, spinach).

• Feeding: Supplemental feeding only if algae is low.

🛠️ Maintenance

• Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons.

• Filtration: Gentle filtration with good water flow.

• Decor: Rocks, driftwood, and live plants for algae growth.

• Water Change: 20–25% weekly.

• Special Note: Keep lid covered – they sometimes crawl out of the tank.

👥 Social Behavior

• Minimum Group Size: Can be kept alone or in groups.

• Tank Mates: Peaceful fish (Tetras, Guppies, Rasboras, Shrimp, Corydoras).

• Avoid: Loaches, Puffers, Crayfish, or aggressive fish that nip shells.

✅ Do’s

• Provide a steady source of algae.

• Keep water alkaline to maintain strong shells.

• Use smooth substrate/rocks to avoid shell damage.

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t use copper-based medications (toxic to snails).

• Don’t keep in soft, acidic water (shell erosion).

• Don’t leave the tank open – they may escape.

⭐ Quick Tips

• Best algae-eating snail for freshwater aquariums.

• Safe for planted and community tanks.

• Attractive, functional, and very low-maintenance