Horned Nerite Snail (Neritina sp.) features distinctive spike-like horns projecting from the shell whorls — a highly unusual and sought-after Nerite variety whose horns make it immediately recognizable and visually unlike any other aquarium snail. Nerite Snails are the gold standard for algae control in freshwater aquariums — voracious, efficient grazers that consume virtually every type of algae from virtually every surface, without touching plants or bothering tankmates.
Nerite Snails come from brackish and freshwater environments across East Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Indo-Pacific — rivers, streams, and coastal lagoons where algae grows abundantly on rocks and hard surfaces. Their brackish-water origins explain their preference for harder, more alkaline water. In freshwater aquariums, Nerite Snails cannot successfully breed — their larvae require brackish water to develop, making population explosion impossible. This makes them one of the safest snails to add to any aquarium.
Nerite Snails are accomplished climbers and will regularly venture above the waterline — a fitted lid and Glasgarten SnailSafe applied to the tank rim are strongly recommended. They are entirely peaceful and safe with fish, plants, and shrimp of all sizes.
| Horned Nerite Snail | |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Beginner — Easy |
| Adult Size | Up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) |
| Recommended Stocking | 1 per 5 gallons |
| Ideal Temperature | 72–78°F (22–26°C) |
| Ideal pH | 7.0–8.5 |
| Ideal GH | 8–18 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 6–12 dKH |
| Staple Food | Algae (primary); Glasgarten Snail Dinner; Hikari Mini Algae Wafers if algae is scarce |
| Treat / Supplement | Glasgarten Mineral Junkie Treats; Glasgarten Mineral Treats |
| Origin | East Africa, Southeast Asia, and Indo-Pacific (brackish and freshwater) |
| Notes |
Algae Eating: Best algae eaters in freshwater — consume green algae, brown algae, diatoms, and biofilm Breeding: Cannot breed in freshwater — no population risk Eggs: Lay small white calcified eggs on hard surfaces — harmless, do not hatch in freshwater, disappear over time Shell Health: Maintain pH above 7.0; supplement with Glasgarten minerals Copper: Fatal — never use copper medications in snail tanks Escape: Use Glasgarten SnailSafe on tank rim |
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