Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Invertebrate profile

Diet

Biofilm grazer

Herbivorous grazer. Primarily consumes soft green algae, diatoms, and biofilm from glass, rocks, and plant leaves. Will not eat healthy plants. May require supplemental algae wafers if natural algae is insufficient.

Ecological role

Scavenger

Excellent algae eater, particularly adept at cleaning glass and hardscape without damaging flora.

Shock sensitivity

High

Can be sensitive to sudden shifts in pH or temperature. Acclimate carefully.

Calcium and minerals

High

Needs adequate calcium to maintain a strong, healthy shell and prevent erosion.

Molting

Shell growth

Snails like Vittina turrita do not molt or shed their shells. They possess a single calcium carbonate shell that continuously grows alongside them throughout their entire lifespan. If you find an empty, translucent shell-like object, it is likely a crustacean molt, not a product of your nerite snail.

Reproduction

Oviparous

Lays distinct, sesame-seed-like egg capsules on hard surfaces (glass, wood, rocks). These eggs require brackish or saltwater to hatch into larvae, so they will not reproduce in freshwater aquariums.

Compatibility & tankmates

Peaceful

This nerite is exceptionally peaceful and a highly efficient algae grazer. It can be safely kept with any community fish, dwarf shrimp, and other peaceful, non-aggressive invertebrates. However, it is defenseless against shell-crushers and must be kept away from assassin snails, puffers, and large, aggressive cichlids.