The Three-Color Horned Nerite Snail is a popular and attractive algae-eating scavenger native to Asia, making it great for nano and planted aquariums.
These snails resemble bumblebee horned nerites, but with a greater range of colors available.
Nerite snails have similar care requirements and characteristics. This species thrives in mature aquariums with algae and biofilm. It is also a good algae eater and can tolerate a variety of diets. These snails are hardy in well-maintained aquariums but should not be overstocked, as snails contribute to the bioload.
Cassandra's notes:
Useful and attractive!
Broadly considered the gold standard in algae management, Nerites work tirelessly to keep your glass and decor spot-free!
These little guys play such an important role in a balanced aquarium! They are nature's recyclers, and work tirelessly to scrub detritus, algae and fish poo from your tank.
Peaceful and easy- going, these snails do not eat live plants, but you may see them resting on green foliage in order to scrub away any algae or biofilms on the surface.
These guys are undemanding, but would prefer a planted, community tank within normal parameters. They do like a bit of cuttlebone here and there to keep their shells hard and clear.
These snails do not reproduce in a freshwater aquarium. They will try by leaving tiny little "pearls" on the glass and decorations. These eggs will never hatch, however, and will slowly dissolve over time.
If you do not see any visible algae anywhere in your aquarium, it would be pertinent to place a blanched piece of vegetable on the substrate every few days. Be sure to remove within the day, as you won't want to foul up your water! They will also happily accept little algae wafers (the kind advertised for bottom feeders such as Plecos)
Under 40F where you are? Don’t forget your HEAT PACK!