Batik Nerite Snail
Vittina turrita
Also known as Turret Nerite, Batik Snail
Animalia›Mollusca›Gastropoda›Cycloneritida›Neritidae
The Batik Nerite Snail is a striking freshwater snail featuring intricate patterned shells with batik-like markings in browns, blacks, and creams. These peaceful grazers are excellent algae eaters and are popular in planted and community tanks. They are hardy, long-lived, and do not reproduce in freshwater, making them ideal for population control.
At a glance
- Size
- 0.75 in
- 2 cm
- Min tank
- 5 gal
- 19 L
- Temp
- 68–79°F
- 20–26°C
- pH
- 7.0-8.0
- GH
- 143–268 ppm
- 8–15 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- Bottom
- Lifespan
- 3-5 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Care
Diet
Batik Nerites are primarily algae grazers that consume biofilm, soft algae, and decaying plant matter. Supplement with algae wafers and blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach) 2-3 times weekly. They prefer established tanks with mature biofilm and will not overeat if adequate natural food sources are present.
Behavior
These snails are nocturnal and spend most of their time grazing on surfaces and substrate. They are slow-moving and relatively inactive during the day, hiding in plants or under decorations. Batik Nerites are solitary and do not require companions, though they coexist peacefully with other snails and fish.
Breeding
Batik Nerites do not breed in freshwater; they require brackish water for larval development, making them impossible to breed in standard aquariums. This is advantageous for aquarists as there is no risk of population explosions, unlike many other freshwater snail species.
Tank mates
See all 4Small, peaceful fish that ignore snails and share similar water parameters
Both are algae grazers and peaceful; no competition or aggression
Peaceful temperament; may occasionally investigate snails but rarely harm them
Algae-eating fish that share the same ecological niche without conflict
Member photos
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Common diseases 4Shell Erosion, Parasitic Flukes, Bacterial Infection, Copper Toxicity
Shell Erosion
Pitting, thinning, or chalky appearance on shell surface; reduced shell integrity
Increase water hardness (8+ dGH) with calcium supplements or crushed coral; ensure adequate mineral content in diet; maintain stable pH above 7.0
Parasitic Flukes
Excessive mucus production, lethargy, shell damage, refusal to feed
Perform 25% water changes; treat with anti-parasitic medication (avoid copper); quarantine affected snails; improve water quality and tank maintenance
Bacterial Infection
Soft tissue decay, foul odor, shell discoloration, inability to retract into shell
Improve water quality with frequent water changes; remove decaying food and waste; maintain stable parameters; consider antibacterial treatment if severe
Copper Toxicity
Lethargy, refusal to feed, shell damage, death
Avoid all copper-based medications and treatments; use copper-free plant fertilizers; perform water changes if copper contamination is suspected; snails are extremely sensitive to copper
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.
The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it.
At a glance
- Size
- 0.75 in2 cm
- Min tank
- 5 gal19 L
- Temp
- 68–79°F20–26°C
- pH
- 7.0-8.0
- GH
- 143–268 ppm8–15 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- Bottom
- Lifespan
- 3-5 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
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