Red Lip Nerite Snail

Neritina waigiensis

Animalia›Mollusca›Gastropoda›Cycloneritida›Neritidae

The Red Lip Nerite Snail is a small, attractive freshwater snail native to Southeast Asia, recognizable by its olive-green shell with red or orange lip coloring around the aperture. These snails are excellent algae eaters and are popular in planted and community tanks for their peaceful nature and low bioload. They are hardy, long-lived, and do not reproduce in freshwater, making them ideal for aquarists seeking 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: 107–214 ppm; 6–12 dGH
Temperament: Peaceful
Swims: Bottom
Lifespan: 3-5 yrs

Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.

Care

Diet

Red Lip Nerites are primarily algae eaters that graze on biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter throughout the tank. Supplement with blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach) and algae wafers if algae growth is insufficient. They do not require frequent feeding if adequate natural food sources are present in an established tank.

Behavior

These snails are nocturnal and spend most of their time grazing on surfaces and plants. They are slow-moving and generally remain on the substrate or lower portions of the tank. Red Lip Nerites are solitary and do not interact with other snails; they are excellent escape artists and may leave the water if conditions are poor, so a secure tank cover is recommended.

Breeding

Red Lip Nerites do not breed in freshwater; they require brackish water conditions for larvae development, making them ideal for preventing population explosions. Eggs may be laid on hard surfaces but will not hatch in standard freshwater aquariums, eliminating concerns about overpopulation.

Tank mates

See all 5

Neon Tetra

Small, peaceful fish that ignore snails and share similar water parameters

excellent

Dwarf Gourami

Peaceful, non-aggressive toward snails; compatible with nerite care requirements

excellent

Otocinclus

Peaceful algae-eating fish that coexist well with snails without competition or aggression

excellent

Ember Tetra

Small, gentle fish that will not disturb or predate on snails

excellent

Amano Shrimp

Peaceful invertebrates that share algae-eating duties without territorial conflict

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Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date.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