Description
Zebra nerite snails are small, algae-eating freshwater snails (0.8–1.2 inches) with a striking gold or cream-colored shell featuring black stripes. They are excellent for planted aquariums
Physical Characteristics
Shell: A smooth, semi-globular shape with a distinctive base of gold or cream marked with striking black, zebra-like stripes.
Body: The snail’s body is typically dark gray to black.
Operculum: A strong operculum (a “door” to the shell) is present, helping the snail seal itself against the tank environment.
Environment & Water Parameters
Temperature: 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C).
pH: 6.5 to 8.0, with alkaline conditions (higher pH) preferred for shell health.
Water Hardness: 5-12 dKH (or higher, around 10-25 dGH).
Tank Size: A minimum of 2 gallons per snail is recommended due to waste production.
Lids: A lid is essential to prevent the snails from climbing out of the tank.
Diet & Care
Algae Eater: They are voracious algae eaters and will graze constantly in the aquarium.
Supplementation: Supplement their diet with algae wafers or blanched vegetables like zucchini, kale, or spinach.
Calcium: Provide a calcium source to help build and maintain a healthy shell.
Copper Sensitivity: All forms of copper are toxic to nerite snails, so check medications, fertilizers, and even tap water for its presence.
Plant Safe: Safe for planted tanks as they only consume algae and not live plants.
Compatibility & Behavior
Peaceful: They are completely peaceful and a great addition to community tanks.
Tankmates: Compatible with other peaceful fish and invertebrates, such as small tetras, rasboras, and shrimp.
Reproduction: They cannot reproduce in freshwater, so their population won’t become an issue in a community tank
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