Tracked Nerite Snail

A GUIDE TO TRACKED NERITE SNAILS CARING & BREEDING

Tracked Nerite Snails, also named the Ruby Nerite Snail are a tropical freshwater species of aquarium snail. They are identified by their orange coloration with small black lines that run along the edge of the shell spiral. Tracked Nerite Snails are larger size than other nerite snail species. They are less popular than other varieties of nerite snail and are less likely to be seen in a LFS. Tracked Nerite Snails will keep the glass clear of algae and remove aquarium detriment. They may need to be fed suplemental food due to their larger size of up to 1".

tracked nerite snail

Tracked Nerite Snails can be kept with other non aggressive shrimp, fish and snail species without problem. Tracked Nerite Snails will remove algae from both the glass and substrate on a regular basis. They will also stir the surface of the substrate and remove any organic matter such as food or waste.

Tracked Nerite Snails are known as a species of 'tidal snail'. The name comes from the ability of the snail to live out of the water for prolonged periods of time. Unfortunately it is not uncommon for Tracked Nerite Snails to escape the aquarium. They are fairly easy to find and can be picked up and placed back into the aquarium. It is encouraged to keep a daily eye on Tracked Nerite Snails.

Temperature ~75°F

  • The optimum aquarium temperature for Tracked Nerite Snails is around 70°F - 80°F (21°C-27°C).

pH ~7 | Hardness 7

  • Tracked Nerite Snails require pH between about 6.5 and 8.
  • Relative water hardness for Horned Nerite Snails should be in the range of 6-12dH. Tracked Nerite Snails are hardy species and are able to withstand captivity fluctuations.

Max Size ~1"

  • Tracked Nerite Snails can grow up to 1" and are larger than other species of nerite snails. They are suitable for medium/large sized aquariums only.

Nitrite 0ppm

  • Nitrite should always be 0.

Ammonia 0ppm

  • Tracked Nerite Snails are sensitive to ammonia spikes.

Nitrate >40ppm

  • Nitrates should be as close to 0ppm as possible. Tracked Nerite Snails consume debris contributing to lower nitrates.

Stocking Guide

  • Tracked Nerite Snails are excellent at consuming debris and algae. However in large numbers they will require extra food. For this reason it is wise to stock no more than one snail for every 7 gallons of aquarium water. Tracked Nerite Snails live up to one year and grow up to 1" in size.
tracked nerite snail

Feeding

  • Tracked Nerite Snails sometimes need supplemental food if there is low organic matter and algae in the aquarium. Tracked Nerite Snails can simply be fed commercial flake and pellet food. They are efficient cleaners and will leave the glass and substrate very clean. They are not fussy eaters. The filter should be turned off during feeding to allow the food to float to the substrate where it is easily accessible for the Tracked Nerite Snails.

Breeding

  • Tracked Nerite Snails won't reproduce in freshwater. Tracked Nerite Snails will only reproduce in brackish salty water. Raising young in freshwater is impossible and raising them in brackish water is very difficult. It is also important to note Tracked Nerite Snails successfully raised in captivity have much shorter life spans.