Nerite Snail
Neritina natalensis compatibility profile. Plan freshwater shrimp and snail setups by troubleshooting community bioload and water parameter overlap.
Core facts & bioload scores
Typesnail
Adult size1"
Minimum tank5 gal
Group1+
- temperature72-80F
- pH7-8.4
- water_hardnessGH 6-20 dGH | KH 3-12 dKH
- breedingeggs do not hatch in freshwater
- plant_safetysafe
- shrimp_safetysafe
- predator_risklow
- cleanup_rolenone
Community setups & swim zone pressure
Success with Nerite Snail requires troubleshooting community setups for predatory risks. Because they occupy the glass/hardscape zone, ensure your filtration capacity is ready for their specific bioload score.
Compatibility caveats
- notesStrong algae grazer that does not reproduce in freshwater; pick for cleanup, not as a long-term breeding population.
- caveatGood for soft green and diatom algae but still needs a stable tank with mineral content (GH/KH) for shell health — not a fix for new, swinging tanks.
- caveatFemale nerites lay hard white eggs on glass and hardscape that do not hatch in freshwater but are difficult to remove cosmetically.
- caveatSensitive to copper, many fish medications, and high nitrates; check every product label and keep nitrates moderate.
- caveatActive climbers — a tight-fitting lid is mandatory or they will escape and dry out.
- cleanup_cautionMay leave white eggs on hardscape.
Compatible tank mates
- Bladder Snailgreencompatible | minimum 5 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Malaysian Trumpet Snailgreencompatible | minimum 5 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Ramshorn Snailgreencompatible | minimum 5 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Pond Snailgreencompatible | minimum 5 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Horned Nerite Snailgreencompatible | minimum 5 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Honey Gouramigreencompatible | minimum 10 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Mystery Snailgreencompatible | minimum 10 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Japanese Trapdoor Snailgreencompatible | minimum 10 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Ivory Mystery Snailgreencompatible | minimum 10 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Dwarf Gouramigreencompatible | minimum 20 galCheck this pair in the planner ->