Olive Nerite Snail

The olive nerite is a nerite snail from the estuaries and coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico. In the hobby it was long known as Neritina reclivata. Its shell is round and smooth; on an olive-green background it carries fine, wavy dark lines that are barely visible to the eye. It is not as showy as the zebra nerite, but it cleans algae just as successfully. Females may leave white egg capsules on hard surfaces; the larvae that hatch from these eggs cannot survive in fresh water, so it does not breed in the aquarium.

• 1–2 individuals per 20 liters, depending on the amount of algae.
• pH 7 or higher, moderately hard to hard water; the shell erodes in soft, acidic water.
• A lid or a slightly lowered water level; it can climb up out of the water.
• Avoid medications and fertilizers containing copper.

It feeds on algae and biofilm. When algae runs low it should be supplemented with spirulina tablets, algae wafers and blanched vegetables. There should be calcium in the water for shell health.

Completely peaceful; it leaves fish, shrimp and plants alone. A nerite that ends up on its back may not be able to right itself; turn it over.

Good companions: almost any peaceful community; shrimp tanks.

Avoid: snail-eating species (clown loach, pea puffer, large cichlids), crayfish, products containing copper.