ECC Checkered Nerite Snails

Quick Stats

• Care Level: Easy
• Diet: Herbivore
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Reef-Safe: Yes
• Source: Sustainably Harvested
• Approximate Purchase Size: 0.5"
• Approximate Max Size: 1"

Overview

The Checkered Nerite Snail (Nerita tessellata) is an effective algae-eating snail you can add to a saltwater aquarium. Known for their small rounded shells and constant grazing behavior, these snails spend their time moving across rockwork and glass surfaces mainly consuming film algae that commonly appears in reef tanks.

Note: Image is a representation of what to expect. The animal you receive may vary slightly in appearance.

Water Parameters

Maintaining proper water parameters is crucial for the health and well-being of your cleanup crew. Nerite snails are hardy and adapt well to most established reef aquariums, but providing a stable environment will allow them to thrive and stay healthy.

• Specific Gravity (Salinity): 1.025-1.026
• Temperature: 75-78 Degrees F
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Alkalinity: 8-9.5 dKH
• Calcium: 400-450ppm
• Magnesium: 1300-1450ppm
• Nitrate (NO3): 10-25ppm
• Phosphate: 0.01-0.1ppm
• Nitrite (NO2): Undetectable
• Ammonia (NH3): Undetectable

Diet

Nerite snails are herbivores that primarily feed on film algae growing on rockwork, glass, and other surfaces. Their constant grazing helps control algae growth in reef aquariums. In most established tanks with natural algae growth, supplemental feeding is not necessary.

Compatibility

Nerite snails are peaceful and completely reef-safe, making them compatible with most community reef aquariums. They coexist well with fish, corals, and other invertebrates while focusing solely on grazing algae. Predatory species such as pufferfish, triggerfish, and some wrasses may prey on snails and should be avoided. In some instances, hermit crabs may attack snails in an effort to steal their shell, so keep that in mind when planning out your cleanup crew.