- Sku: FW1-F9143
- Vendor: Squeaky's Aquatics
Racetrack Nerite Snail (Vittina sp.)
The Racetrack Nerite Snail (Vittina sp.) wears one of the sharpest shells in the hobby, a warm orange to amber dome marked with bold black dashes and streaks that look like tire tracks. Underneath the paint job is the hobby’s most dependable algae eater, a snail that polishes glass, rocks, and plant leaves without ever harming them. Browse the rest of our freshwater invertebrates for more cleanup crew.
Please note: pricing is per snail, and the racetrack pattern is unique on every shell.
Care Guide
Racetrack nerites are happy in any cycled tank from five gallons up. Like all nerites they want neutral to alkaline, harder water to keep their shells from pitting. Algae and biofilm are their whole menu, so they do their best work in established tanks; if yours runs spotless, supplement with an algae wafer or blanched zucchini. Acclimate slowly and set them down upright, nerites have a hard time flipping themselves over.
Important: never dose copper-based medications in a tank with snails or other invertebrates. Copper is lethal to them even at low levels.
Specifications
| Care Level | Beginner |
| Temperament | Completely peaceful |
| Max Size | About 1 inch |
| Minimum Tank Size | 5 gallons |
| Temperature | 72 to 78°F |
| pH | 7.0 to 8.2, harder water preferred |
| Diet | Algae, biofilm, algae wafers, blanched vegetables |
| Reproduction | Cannot reproduce in freshwater |
| Plant Safe | Yes, completely |
Compatibility
Safe with all peaceful community fish, shrimp, and other snails. Avoid snail eaters like loaches, puffers, and large cichlids.
Recommended Tankmates & Supplies
- Spiky Nerite Snail for the nano end of the lineup
- Batik Nerite Snail, another boldly patterned glass cleaner
- Our full freshwater invertebrate and live fish collections
FAQ
Will they breed in my tank? No. Nerite eggs need brackish water to hatch. You may see small white eggs on wood and rock, they are harmless and never hatch in freshwater.
How much algae can one snail handle? Plan on one nerite per 5 gallons. They work around the clock but a heavy algae problem still needs its root cause fixed.
Is it plant safe? Completely. Nerites rasp the film off leaves without piercing them.
My snail has not moved all day, is something wrong? Nerites rest in place for long stretches. As long as it is sealed to a surface or its trapdoor is shut tight, it is fine.
Have a question?
Racetrack Nerite Snail (Vittina sp.)
