Nerite Snail

Specific Name: Nerita spp.
Diet: Herbivore – grazes on diatoms, film algae, and soft green algae
Pest or Good Guy: ✅ Good Guy
Size: 1–2.5 cm
Breed in Captivity: No – will lay eggs, but larvae require brackish water to survive
Cautions: Escape artists – will often climb out of open-top tanks; eggs may appear as hard white dots on glass and rock

Description:

Nerite snails are compact, attractive algae grazers known for their tight grip and serious cleaning power. Their shells come in various patterns—striped, spotted, or solid—making them one of the most visually interesting cleanup crew members. These snails are excellent at clearing glass and hard surfaces of stubborn film algae, often working at night. While they don’t touch sandbeds or meaty waste, they more than earn their keep as glass cleaners. Be warned: Nerites are natural climbers and will escape if given the chance, so a tight-fitting lid is essential. Females lay distinctive white “sesame seed” eggs that won’t hatch in full saltwater but may decorate your tank for a while.