Nerite Snail: Tank Size, Tank Mates and Setup
An algae-eating snail that can't reproduce in fresh water, so it won't overrun the tank.
- Minimum tank
- 5 gallons
- Temperature
- 72–80°F
- Group size
- One or more
- Adult size
- 1 inAll levels of the tank
- Climbs out of open tanks, so use a lid.
- Lays small white eggs on hard surfaces that never hatch in fresh water.
Neritina sp.. Figures are commonly published care ranges; see how it works.
How many nerite snails per tank size
The most you could keep if nerite snails were the only species. Open a size in the builder to add tank mates.
| Tank | Nerite snail, kept alone | |
|---|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Up to 7 | Plan this tank |
| 10 gallon | Up to 16 | Plan this tank |
| 20 gallon | Up to 40 | Plan this tank |
| 29 gallon | Up to 65 | Plan this tank |
| 40 gallon | Up to 90 | Plan this tank |
| 55 gallon | Up to 123 | Plan this tank |
| 75 gallon | Up to 168 | Plan this tank |
What you need for a nerite snail in a 5-gallon tank
A starting setup: 1 nerite snail in the smallest standard tank that suits them.
5-gallon tank
- These fit a 5-gallon tank and get along. Aim for about 76°F.
Equipment, sized for this tank
Starter supplies
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Nerite snail tank mates
These share a temperature range and temperament with nerite snails, with no warnings from our checks.
Plan a tank around nerite snails
Add tank mates, check the stocking level and get the equipment sized for your tank.
Open the tank builderNerite snail questions
What size tank does a nerite snail need?
At least 5 gallons. A larger tank is more stable and gives you more choice of tank mates.
How many nerite snails can I keep in a 5-gallon tank?
Up to about 7 if they are the only species in the tank. Fewer if you add other fish.
Do nerite snails need a heater?
Usually yes. Nerite snail does best at 72–80°F, which is warmer than most rooms. A 5-gallon tank needs about 25 watts in a 68°F room.
What fish can live with nerite snails?
Good matches include bettas, neon tetras, cardinal tetras, ember tetras, rummy-nose tetras, black skirt tetras. They share a temperature range and temperament with nerite snails.