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Tiger Nerite Snail
Vittina semiconica
Animalia›Mollusca›Gastropoda›Neritidae
📍 Southeast Asia
Bold black-and-yellow tiger-striped nerite shell. One of the most visually striking clean-up snails. Outstanding algae grazer, especially for green spot algae on glass. Won't reproduce in freshwater.
Care Guide
Diet
Tiger Nerite Snails are primarily algae grazers that consume green spot algae, diatoms, and soft algae from surfaces. They will also accept blanched vegetables like zucchini and spinach 2-3 times weekly as supplements. In established tanks with adequate algae growth, no additional feeding is necessary; in newer or heavily cleaned tanks, provide algae wafers or vegetable matter to prevent starvation.
Behavior
These snails are nocturnal and spend daylight hours hidden, becoming active during evening and night hours when they graze on tank surfaces. They are completely peaceful and will not bother plants, fish, or other invertebrates. Tiger Nerites are solitary and do not require companions, though they coexist well with other non-aggressive species.
Breeding
Tiger Nerite Snails cannot reproduce in freshwater aquariums, making them an excellent choice for population control. Breeding requires brackish water conditions that are impractical for most freshwater setups. This non-invasive reproduction makes them ideal for community tanks without risk of overpopulation.
Tank Mates
Similar algae-grazing habits and peaceful temperament; both prefer stable water conditions
Complementary algae eaters with identical peaceful nature and similar water requirements
Non-aggressive invertebrate that shares algae-grazing role without competing aggressively
Peaceful fish that occupy different tank zones and won't predate on snails
Small, peaceful schooling fish that ignore snails and thrive in similar water parameters
Common Diseases
Shell Erosion
Pitting, thinning, or dissolving shell surface; visible damage to shell structure
Increase water hardness (GH 6+) and pH (7.0-8.5) through mineral supplements or crushed coral; ensure adequate calcium availability
Parasitic Infection
Lethargy, refusing to emerge from shell, visible spots or discoloration on body
Perform 25% water changes, maintain pristine water quality, quarantine affected snails; avoid copper-based treatments which are toxic to snails
Bacterial Infection
Foul odor from snail, soft tissue decay, shell discoloration or spots
Improve water quality through frequent partial water changes, remove decaying food promptly, maintain stable temperature and pH
Starvation
Inactivity, weight loss, failure to emerge from shell for extended periods
Supplement with algae wafers or blanched vegetables if natural algae is insufficient; ensure adequate biofilm and algae growth in tank
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Quick Facts
- pH
- 7.0–8.5
- diet
- algae grazer
- minTankSize
- 5 gallons
- temperature
- 72–81°F (22–27°C)
Temperature
72–81°F
22–27°C