Batman Nerite Snail (Neritina auriculata)

The Batman Nerite Snail (Neritina auriculata) is one of the hardest-working algae eaters you can add to a freshwater aquarium. Named for the bold "wings" that flare from its dark, glossy shell, this little snail grazes film algae, diatoms, and stubborn green spot algae off glass, rocks, driftwood, and plants without ever harming healthy foliage. Best of all, it will not breed in freshwater, so your cleanup crew never turns into an infestation.

Add a few to your tank, then round out the crew with our other freshwater invertebrates or browse the full freshwater livestock and supplies selection.

Care Guide

• Algae diet: A voracious natural grazer that mows down film algae, brown diatoms, and soft green algae. In a spotless tank, supplement with an algae wafer or a slice of blanched zucchini so it never runs short of food.
• Water quality: Keep stable, well-cycled water at 72 to 78°F with a pH of 7.0 to 8.5. Nerites prefer moderately hard, mineral-rich water, which keeps their shells strong and smooth.
• Shell health: Calcium is key. In soft or RO water, dose a GH and mineral supplement so the shell does not pit or erode over time.
• Keep a lid: Nerites are accomplished climbers and will wander above the waterline. A tight-fitting lid or cover glass keeps them safely inside.
• No overpopulation: Females may dot hard surfaces with tiny white eggs, but those eggs cannot hatch in pure freshwater, so the population stays in check on its own.

Specifications

Compatibility

Peaceful, plant-safe, and shrimp-safe, the Batman Nerite is one of the easiest cleanup crew members to mix into a community tank.

• Great with: community fish such as tetras, rasboras, and livebearers, plus dwarf shrimp and other peaceful snails.
• Plant-safe: grazes algae off leaves without eating live plants, making it ideal for planted aquascapes.
• Avoid: known snail predators including loaches, pufferfish, and assassin snails, which will pick at or eat nerites.

Recommended Pairings & Supplies

• Mix in our other nerites for variety: Racetrack Nerite, Spiky Nerite, and Batik Nerite
• Amano Shrimp and Neocaridina dwarf shrimp make excellent algae-eating partners
• Seachem Equilibrium to raise GH and mineral content for strong shells
• Live aquarium plants for a natural, algae-grazing habitat

FAQ

Will Batman Nerites eat my plants?
No. They only graze algae and biofilm, so they are completely safe with live plants and a favorite in planted tanks.

Will they reproduce and take over my tank?
No. Their eggs need brackish or saltwater to hatch, so they cannot multiply in a freshwater aquarium.

What are the little white dots on my glass and decor?
Those are nerite eggs. They are harmless, will not hatch in freshwater, and can be gently scraped off if you do not like the look.

How many should I get?
A good rule of thumb is one nerite for every 5 to 10 gallons, adjusted for how much algae your tank grows.