Sun Snail (Clithon donovani), also sold as the Sun Thorn Nerite, is a small nerite with a rounded shell decorated in a bold black-and-golden-yellow spiral pattern — some individuals lean more brown or olive — and short spines along the shell that set it apart from smooth nerites. It comes from coastal streams across the Indo-Pacific and stays small, reaching only about an inch, which makes it an ideal cleanup snail for nano tanks and aquascapes.
Sun Snails are among the most effective algae grazers in the hobby, working steadily over glass, rock, wood, and hardscape to clear green spot, film algae, and biofilm. They are completely plant-safe and peaceful with fish and shrimp. Like all nerites they may climb above the waterline, so keep a lid or leave a little space at the top of the tank.
Nerites lay small, hard, white eggs on hardscape and glass. These eggs will not hatch in freshwater — the larvae need brackish or saltwater — so your tank will never be overrun. They can be scraped off glass if they bother you.
In soft or acidic water, nerite shells can slowly erode and develop pitting. Keep pH at 7.0 or above with moderate hardness, and supplement calcium if your water is soft.
| Care & Ideal Parameters | |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Adult Size | 0.5–1 in (1.3–2.5 cm) |
| Group Size | 1 per 5 gallons |
| Ideal Temperature | 72–80°F (22–27°C) |
| Ideal pH | 7.0–8.0 |
| Ideal GH | 8–14 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 5–12 dKH |
| Staple Food | Algae and biofilm; Hikari Mini Algae Wafers |
| Treat & Supplement | Glasgarten Mineral Junkie Treats, blanched vegetables |
| Origin | Indo-Pacific coastal streams |
| Notes | Copper-sensitive. Eggs do not hatch in freshwater. May climb out — keep a lid. Plant-safe. |
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