Black Racer Nerite Snail

Neritina pulligera

Also known as Military Helmet Nerite, Black Racer Nerite, Tracked Nerite Snail

Animalia›Mollusca›Gastropoda›Cycloneritida›Neritidae

The Black Racer Nerite Snail is a sleek, fast-moving freshwater snail prized for its striking dark coloration and efficient algae-grazing abilities. These snails are excellent cleanup crew members that consume algae, biofilm, and detritus without damaging live plants. They are hardy, peaceful, and ideal for planted tanks and community aquariums.

At a glance

Size: 0.75 in; 2 cm
Min tank: 5 gal; 19 L
Temp: 68–82°F; 20–28°C
pH: 6.5-8.0
GH: 107–214 ppm; 6–12 dGH
Temperament: Peaceful
Swims: Bottom
Lifespan: 3-5 yrs

Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.

Care

Diet

Black Racer Nerites are primarily algae eaters that graze on soft algae, biofilm, and decaying plant matter throughout the day. Supplement their diet with blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach) and algae wafers if algae is scarce. They rarely require additional feeding in established, mature tanks with adequate biofilm.

Behavior

These snails are highly active grazers, constantly moving across surfaces in search of food. They are nocturnal and most active during evening and night hours. Black Racer Nerites are solitary but tolerate other snails and peaceful tank mates; they will not reproduce in freshwater, making them ideal for population control.

Breeding

Black Racer Nerites require brackish water to complete their reproductive cycle and will not breed in freshwater aquariums. Eggs may be laid on hard surfaces but will not develop without brackish conditions, making them excellent for aquarists concerned about snail overpopulation.

Tank mates

See all 5

Neon Tetra

Small, peaceful fish that ignore snails and occupy mid-water zones

excellent

Amano Shrimp

Peaceful invertebrates that share similar algae-grazing habits without competition

excellent

Dwarf Gourami

Peaceful, slow-moving fish that coexist well with bottom-dwelling snails

good

Java Fern

Plant that snails do not consume; provides shelter and biofilm growth

excellent

Anubias Nana

Hardy plant resistant to snail grazing; provides habitat and biofilm

excellent

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Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date.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.