Zebra Nerite Snail

Zebra Nerite Snail

Temperament

Peaceful and non-aggressive. Zebra Nerite Snails glide over glass, rocks, and driftwood as they graze, leaving tidy trails through soft algae. Their bold dark stripes add a striking natural detail without disturbing fish, shrimp, or healthy plants.

Adult Size

Adults typically reach approximately 1 in (2.5 cm). Shell markings vary between individuals, giving each snail its own distinctive striped pattern.

Compatible Tankmates

• Small, peaceful community fish such as tetras, rasboras, corydoras, and otocinclus
• Peaceful dwarf shrimp, including Neocaridina and Amano Shrimp
• Other peaceful aquarium snails with compatible water requirements
• Avoid: puffers, snail-eating loaches, aggressive cichlids, assassin snails, and fish that nip exposed antennae or feet

Planted-Tank Role

A hardworking algae grazer for established freshwater aquariums. Zebra Nerite Snails feed on diatoms, soft green algae, and biofilm on glass, leaves, and hardscape without eating healthy plants. They complement routine maintenance, but should not be expected to remove every type of algae or clean up all leftover food.

Feeding

• Provide a mature aquarium with a steady supply of naturally growing algae and biofilm.
• Offer algae wafers or algae-based foods as a supplement, but monitor feeding carefully. Some nerites do not readily accept prepared foods.
• Do not rely on leftover fish food as their main diet or add too many snails to a spotless aquarium.
• Remove uneaten supplemental food before it fouls the water.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 72–80 °F (22–27 °C)
• pH: 7.0–8.5; avoid acidic conditions that can erode shells
• Hardness: moderately hard to hard, mineral-rich water supports healthy shell growth
• Keep ammonia and nitrite at zero and introduce snails only to a fully cycled aquarium.
• Acclimate gradually and maintain stable water conditions.
• Avoid copper-based medications and other treatments unsafe for snails.

Stocking Guidance

• Start with one snail in a mature aquarium of 5 gallons or more, provided there is enough algae to support it.
• Add more only as grazing space and algae availability allow; food supply matters more than a fixed snail-per-gallon rule.
• Use a secure lid and cover gaps around equipment. Nerites can climb above the waterline and escape.
• If a snail is stranded upside down and cannot right itself, gently place it upright on a stable surface.
• Females may leave small, hard white egg capsules on rocks, wood, or glass. These will not develop into a growing snail population in a typical freshwater aquarium; successful larval development requires specialized saline conditions.

In-Store Pickup

Live Zebra Nerite Snails are available for in-store pickup only. Select Pickup at checkout.