Description
Zebra Nerite Snails are the most popular species of freshwater Nerite snail in the aquarium hobby. They can be identified by their distinct black and gold stripes running from a point at it’s shells tail.
Zebra Nerite Snails can grow to a sizeable 2.5cm but are often bought and sold much smaller than this. They are extremely popular and can be found at most local fish stores. As with other species of Nerite snails, Zebra Nerite Snails are near impossible to breed in freshwater. This makes them favorable when compared to other snail species that can overpopulate in the aquarium.
Zebra Nerite Snails can be kept with other non aggressive shrimp, fish and snail species. Zebra Nerite Snails will consume debris and surface algae from the glass and substrate surface. They are a community player and an excellent addition to any aquarium.
Zebra Nerite Snails are known as a species of ‘tidal snail’. The name comes from the ability of the snail to live out of the water for prolonged periods of time. Unfortunately it is not uncommon for Nerite Snails to escape the aquarium. They are fairly easy to find and can be picked up and placed back into the aquarium. It is encouraged to keep a daily eye on Nerite Snails.
In the wild, this species is endemic to the coastal plain of East Africa — Kenya, Mozambique, Somalia, South Africa, and Tanzania. Its specific name natalensis refers to the region of Natal, South Africa.