Neritina natalensis
The most popular algae crew snail in the hobby. Bold zebra-striped shell and a relentless work ethic on glass and rocks. Will lay sterile white eggs everywhere in fresh water, accept it or move on.
Zebra Nerite Snail (Neritina natalensis) is an aquarium snail in family Neritidae, native to East Africa (coastal rivers). Adults reach 2–2.5 cm; minimum tank 20 L. Target 22–28 °C, pH 7.0–8.5, 6–15 dGH, 3–10 dKH. Shell calcium demand: high. Diet: algae grazer, Scrapes biofilm and soft green algae off glass, hardscape, and broad leaves. Supplement with algae wafer or blanched zucchini if the tank is too clean. Breeding: Lays hard white eggs on hardscape and glass but eggs will not hatch in freshwater, true breeding requires brackish water. Eggs are cosmetic-only in a freshwater tank. Algae-eating rating: 5/5. Plant-safe: Yes. Tank mates: Peaceful community fish and shrimp. Avoid puffers, large loaches, and crayfish.
Care at a glance
The most popular algae crew snail in the hobby. Bold zebra-striped shell and a relentless work ethic on glass and rocks. Will lay sterile white eggs everywhere in fresh water, accept it or move on.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated 1 min read
Part of our complete planted-aquarium guide.
The parameters that decide whether zebra nerite snail fits in your tank.
Neritidae
Algae grazer
Scrapes biofilm and soft green algae off glass, hardscape, and broad leaves. Supplement with algae wafer or blanched zucchini if the tank is too clean.
Lays hard white eggs on hardscape and glass but eggs will not hatch in freshwater, true breeding requires brackish water. Eggs are cosmetic-only in a freshwater tank.
1–2 yrs
High
Yes
East Africa (coastal rivers)
East Africa (coastal rivers)
Tank-mate safety and the species this one is documented to thrive (or fail) alongside.
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Minimum tank: 20 L. Zebra Nerite Snail (Neritina natalensis) reach 2–2.5 cm as adults.
Target 22–28 °C, pH 7.0–8.5, 6–15 dGH, and 3–10 dKH. Shell calcium demand is high, supplement with cuttlebone or a mineral stone if your water is soft.
Plant safety: Yes. Zebra Nerite Snail are algae grazer, Scrapes biofilm and soft green algae off glass, hardscape, and broad leaves. Supplement with algae wafer or blanched zucchini if the tank is too clean.
Tank mates: Peaceful community fish and shrimp. Avoid puffers, large loaches, and crayfish.
Algae-eating rating: 5/5. Scrapes biofilm and soft green algae off glass, hardscape, and broad leaves. Supplement with algae wafer or blanched zucchini if the tank is too clean.
Lays hard white eggs on hardscape and glass but eggs will not hatch in freshwater, true breeding requires brackish water. Eggs are cosmetic-only in a freshwater tank.
Typical lifespan: 1–2 years in a stable, well-maintained tank.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this snail with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
