Nerite Snail

Nerita sp.

The Nerite Snail comes from the inner tidal areas of the Pacific and Caribbean Oceans and has a rounded shell. This snail does not grow very large, and the coloration is brown to black. They are wonderful scavengers for reef aquariums as they remain small and with their rounded shells, rarely knock over rocks or corals in the aquarium.

The Nerite Snail does well in an aquarium when provided with ample hiding places and room to forage. Live rock provides algae, cyanobacteria, and diatoms for food, but it also is an effective film algae eater, grazing on other surfaces, such as the sides of the aquarium. It is sensitive to high levels of copper-based medications and will not tolerate high nitrate levels. This is a perfect snail for the reef aquarium because it will not grow too large, and will not disturb corals or rockwork.

The Nerite Snail has no distinguishing characteristics to help differentiate male from female.