Cerith Snail

Description

Cerith Snail

• Specific Name: Cerithium spp.
• Diet: Omnivore – eats film algae, diatoms, detritus, and uneaten food
• Pest or Good Guy: ✅ Good Guy
• Size: 1–3 cm
• Breed in Captivity: Occasionally – may breed in reef tanks, eggs often seen on glass, but survival to adulthood is rare without targeted care
• Cautions: May be preyed on by crabs or certain wrasses; slower than other snails and may be outcompeted in algae-heavy tanks

Description:

Cerith snails are small but mighty members of the clean-up crew, prized for their ability to tackle multiple problem areas in a reef tank. With long, spiraled shells and a burrowing lifestyle, they work both the sandbed and the rockwork, eating detritus, algae, and leftover food. They’re excellent at reaching crevices and corners, and their burrowing helps aerate sand and reduce waste buildup. Ceriths are peaceful, reef-safe, and often overlooked, but their versatility and low bioload make them one of the best all-rounder snails available. Occasionally, they’ll lay egg spirals on the glass—signs of a happy, healthy tank.