Batik Nerite Snail (Neritina variegata)

The Batik Nerite Snail (Neritina variegata) is a small, peaceful algae eater wrapped in an ornate maze of black and gold that looks like hand-dyed batik fabric, and no two shells are patterned alike. It is one of the most effective and best-behaved cleanup crew members in the hobby, grazing algae, diatoms, and biofilm off glass, rocks, and decor without ever touching your live plants. Add it to the rest of our freshwater invertebrates.

Care Guide

• Tank size: 3 gallons or larger. A mature tank with some algae and biofilm gives it plenty to graze, so plan on roughly one snail per few gallons to keep everyone well fed.
• Diet: Herbivore and algae grazer. It works through film algae, diatoms, and biofilm. In a newer or very clean tank, supplement with algae wafers or blanched vegetables so it never goes hungry.
• Water quality: Temperature 72 to 78°F, pH 7.0 to 8.5. Nerites do best in harder, alkaline water, and a steady calcium source keeps their shells smooth and strong.
• Keep a lid on: Nerites are escape artists and will climb above the waterline. A tight-fitting lid keeps them safely in the tank.
• Will not overrun your tank: Females may lay small white eggs, but the larvae need brackish or saltwater to develop, so Batik Nerites cannot multiply in a freshwater aquarium.

Specifications

Compatibility

Completely peaceful and plant safe, the Batik Nerite is welcome in almost any freshwater community. It pairs especially well with shrimp and other gentle tankmates.

• Neocaridina (Cherry) Shrimp
• Galaxy Rasbora and other peaceful nano fish
• Pink Lady Nerite Snail and other nerites

Avoid keeping it with known snail eaters such as loaches, pufferfish, or large cichlids.

Recommended Foods & Supplies

• Algae wafers and supplemental foods
• More freshwater shrimp & snails
• More freshwater livestock

FAQ

Will Batik Nerites eat my plants?
No. They graze algae and biofilm and leave healthy live plants alone, which makes them ideal for planted tanks.

Will they take over my tank like other snails?
No. Their larvae need brackish or saltwater to survive, so they cannot reproduce in a freshwater aquarium.

Why is calcium important?
Their shells are built from calcium carbonate. Harder, alkaline water and a calcium source keep the shell smooth and help prevent pitting or erosion.

Do I need a lid?
Yes. Nerites will climb the glass and can crawl out of an open tank, so a tight-fitting lid is recommended.