In-store pickup only.Your order is reserved, we hold off on bagging until you arrive so it stays healthy in its display tank.
The Spiky Nerite Snail (Clithon sp.), also sold as the horned nerite, is a tiny algae-eating tank with a crown of little spikes on its shell. Despite topping out under an inch, these snails mow film algae, diatoms, and green spot off glass, rocks, and leaves as well as snails twice their size, and they physically cannot overrun a freshwater tank. Browse the rest of our freshwater invertebrates for more cleanup crew.
Please note:pricing is per snail. These come in assorted colors and patterns, gold and black stripes, olive, and dark shells, and the exact look varies snail to snail.
Care Guide
Spiky nerites are easy keepers in any cycled tank from five gallons up. They do best in neutral to alkaline, harder water, which keeps those spiked shells strong. Algae and biofilm make up most of their diet, so they shine in established tanks; in a spotless one, drop in an algae wafer or a slice of blanched zucchini now and then. Acclimate slowly and place them upright, nerites have a hard time flipping over if they land on their backs.
Important:never dose copper-based medications in a tank with snails or other invertebrates. Copper is lethal to them even at low levels.
Specifications
| Care Level | Beginner |
| Temperament | Completely peaceful |
| Max Size | About 0.75 inch |
| Minimum Tank Size | 5 gallons |
| Temperature | 72 to 78°F |
| pH | 7.0 to 8.2, harder water preferred |
| Diet | Algae, biofilm, algae wafers, blanched vegetables |
| Reproduction | Cannot reproduce in freshwater |
| Plant Safe | Yes, completely |
Compatibility
Safe with all peaceful community fish, shrimp, and other snails, and small enough for nano tanks. Avoid snail eaters like loaches, puffers, and large cichlids.
Recommended Tankmates & Supplies
- Pink Lady Nerite, a pastel cousin from the same genus
- Batik Nerite Snail for larger tanks
- Our full freshwater invertebrate and live fish collections
FAQ
Will they breed in my tank?No. Nerite eggs need brackish water to hatch, so population control is automatic. You may spot tiny white eggs on hardscape, they are harmless and never hatch in freshwater.
Are the spikes sharp?Not to you or your fish, the little horns are just shell ornamentation and a defense against fish lips.
How many should I get?A common rule is one nerite per 5 gallons so each snail finds enough algae.
My snail is on its back, is it dying?Maybe just stuck. Nerites struggle to right themselves, gently flip it upright and it will usually cruise off.
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