Australian Nerite Snails 0.5-1cm

Australian Nerite Snails

Snails are an aquatic species that is usually overlooked as they are often seen as pests or a bland clean-up drew addition to the aquarium, however, the Nerite snail is a beautiful and fantastic snail to add to any aquarium setting. Nerites are especially popular due to the fact that they don’t breed prolifically in freshwater aquariums like other snails so there is never a worry about them reaching pest quantities. They are also a fantastic algae eater and will readily eat a wide range of algae that grow on glass and hardscape. 

Aside from their benefits of being an easily maintainable clean-up crew, each nerite snail is different as they have a range of beautiful patterns and colors. Coming in a variety of colors such as yellow, orange-reds, and browns along with patterning that looks hand painted makes them a beautiful snail to keep just based on aesthetics.  

Australian nerites are incredibly hardy and can be kept in a dynamic aquarium temperature from 22-28 degrees and get to a maximum temperature of 1 cm so they can be kept in aquariums as little as 20 liters. They are naturally found in the tidal and freshwater river systems in parts of northern Australia and have a unique breeding cycle where the snail eggs require brackish water to hatch. In the standard aquarium setting, this fluctuation of fresh to brackish is not practical which is why there are no proper accounts for breeding. 

Tank Recommendations for your Australian Nerite Snails
The Australian nerite snails are a true nano species that only get to an absolute maximum of 1 cm. This makes them great for smaller aquariums with the minimum being 20 liters however they are a fine species to add into larger aquariums with no issues with a clean-up crew member. 

Australian nerite snails are one of the best additions to add to planted aquarium due to their algae-eating nature, having plenty of hardscapes such as stones and driftwood will allow for plenty of grazing grounds. These snails are best effective when kept in groups as it allows for plenty of mouths to clean through the aquarium.  

Suitable Tank Buddies

Australian Nerites are basically just moving water mouths, they are not aggressive in any way shape, or form. They stick to their surfaces eating away at the algae in the tank meaning that there is a higher risk of other tank mates messing with them.  

Usually Compatible

Various tetras and community fish such as betta, shrimp, dwarf cichlids, and gourami.  

Sometime Compatible

Angelfish, Severum, and semi-aggressive fish may pester the snails.  

Rarely Compatible 

Pufferfish, Oscars, Jaguar cichlids, and other aggressive fish species may prey on the snails. 

Feeding your Australian Nerite Snail

The Australian Nerite snail should not need much feeding in a well-established planted aquarium. There should be enough algae and decaying plant matter to sustain the small snails however it is always recommended to supplement them just to be safe. Feeding an occasional algae wafer once a week will not hurt and ensure that the snails receive optimal nutrition.