Zebra Nerite Snail

A GUIDE TO ZEBRA NERITE SNAILS CARING & BREEDING

Zebra Nerite Snails are the most popular species of freshwater Nerite snail in the aquarium hobby. They can be identified by their distinct black and gold stripes running from a point at it's shells tail. Zebra Nerite Snails can grow to a sizeable 1" but are often bought and sold much smaller than this. They are extremely popular and can be found at most LFS. As with other species of Nerite snails, Zebra Nerite Snails are near impossible to breed in freshwater. This makes them favorable when compared to other snail species that can overpopulate in the aquarium.

Zebra Nerite Snails can be kept with other non aggressive shrimp, fish and snail species. Zebra Nerite Snails will consume debris and surface algae from the glass and substrate surface. They are a community player and an excellent addition to any aquarium.

Zebra 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 Zebra Nerite Snails is around 70°F - 80°F (21°C-27°C). They can also be kept in unheated aquariums and ponds at much lower temperatures.

pH ~7.5 | Hardness 9

Zebra Nerite Snails require pH between about 7 and 8. 7 is at the lower end of the spectrum and upon keeping Zebra Nerite Snails the pH should not drop below this value.
Relative water hardness for Zebra Nerite Snails should be in the range of 6-12dH. Zebra Nerite Snails prefer harder water as it aids in shell development. Limestone chips placed in the filter can be used to harden water.

Max Size 1"

Zebra Nerite Snails rarely exceed 1" in size and are often found much smaller, around 1/3-1/2".

Nitrite 0ppm

Nitrite should always be 0.

Ammonia 0ppm

Zebra Nerite Snails are sensitive to ammonia spikes and copper additives.

Nitrate >40ppm

Nitrates should be as close to 0ppm as possible. Zebra Nerite Snails consume debris contributing to lower nitrates but are sensitive to high nitrate levels.

Stocking Guide

Zebra Nerite Snails are excellent at consuming algae and organics. However in large numbers they will require extra food. For this reason it is wise to stock no more than one snail for every 5 gallons of aquarium water. Zebra Nerite Snails for at least a year growing to a maximum size of 1".

Feeding

Zebra Nerite Snails sometimes need supplemental food if there is low organic matter and algae in the aquarium. Zebra Nerite Snails can simply be fed commercial flake and pellet food. Sometimes they will consume boiled vegetables. 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 Zebra Nerite Snails.

Breeding

Zebra Nerite Snails won't reproduce in freshwater. Zebra 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 Zebra Nerite Snails successfully raised in captivity have much shorter life spans.
Successful breeding can happen in species only aquariums. Salinity should be raised to 1.007 and confirmed using a salinity refractometer. Temperature should be raised to 79°F (27°C) and substrate should be replaced with calcium rich chips.

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