Coromandel Nerite Snail

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Widely distributed across Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Indonesia, inhabiting tidal estuaries, slow-moving rivers, and coastal streams.

Taxonomy: Classified under the Neritidae family. It features a sturdy, globose shell decorated with a characteristic pattern of dark vertical stripes on a yellow or amber background.

Social Behavior: Extremely peaceful and non-aggressive. It spends almost all its time grazing on rocks, driftwood, and glass surfaces, seeking algae and biofilm.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Exhibits beautiful alternating bands of shiny black and yellow or light brown. There is no visible external sexual dimorphism.

Tank Setup: Best suited for established tanks of at least 5-10 gallons with plenty of decorations and surfaces for algae growth. A tight-fitting lid is essential as they can climb out.

Diet and Feeding: Obligate herbivore. Feeds primarily on green spot algae, diatoms, and organic biofilm. If natural algae is depleted, supplement with spirulina-based wafers.

Water Quality: Prefers moderately hard to hard water, pH 7.0-8.2, temperature 22-28°C, and zero copper levels. Adequate calcium is required to prevent shell erosion.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Excellent with peaceful community fish, dwarf shrimp (Neocaridina), and other non-predatory snails. Avoid snail-eating fish like loaches or puffers.

Aquarium Breeding: May deposit small white egg capsules on hard surfaces, but these will not hatch in freshwater as the larvae require brackish water to develop.

Risks and Diseases: Shell deterioration in acidic or soft water due to calcium deficiency. Highly sensitive to copper-based medications and sudden changes in water parameters.