Algae Eater Snail - Large

The Cerith Snail is a small mollusk, with spiral shell. Normally, the shell is black and covered in small white dots.

Captive breeding and determining sexes are very difficult. If there is a breeding pair of Cerith snails in a tank they will lay eggs. But they are slow to develop and get consumed by other tank members or removed by filtration.

They are found in most of the worlds’ oceans, particularly the Indo-Pacific region. Areas include Madagascar, Red Sea, Kenya, Tanzania, and West India. The aquarium trade gets most of its specimens from the Caribbean. Their natural habitat is in the shallows, on mudflats, seagrass, or around mangroves.

Tank Recommendations for your Cerith Snail

Cerith Snails can be housed in a tank of any size.

The most suitable aquarium environment is one that is established. it should have a deep sand substrate, and plenty of live rock.

Cerith snails are sensitive to swings in water parameters and high nitrate levels.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Cerith Snails are peaceful and are no threat to other tank members.

Usually Compatible

Any fish or invertebrates that don't consume snails are fine. Gobies, Tangs, Dartfish, Anthias, and Basslets are all suitable.

Sometime Compatible

Be careful if housing with Hermit Crabs as they may evict Ceris Snails and take over their shells. Try to ensure there are a variety of empty shells in an aquarium to prevent this happening.

Rarely Compatible

Avoid any aquarium animals that enjoy snacking on snails. These types of fish include Hawkfish, Triggerfish, and Dog Faced Pufferfish.

Feeding Your Cerith Snail

Cerith Snails are scavengers which makes them important members of the cleanup crew. They will consume algae, detritus, food waste, and fish waste. It is recommended to keep one invert per 10 gallons of water so there is enough food for foraging.