Horned Nerite Snail
Last import date: 4/30/26
The Horned Nerite Snail (Clithon sp.) is one of the best algae eaters in the hobby, packed into a tiny shell barely larger than a pencil eraser. Each shell carries dramatic horn-like protrusions that give the species its name, in colors ranging from olive green to deep black with yellow banding. They graze constantly on diatoms, green spot algae, and soft green algae, often clearing problem surfaces (glass, rocks, and broad leaves) within days.
Care Requirements: Extremely easy. Add to a mature, cycled tank with established algae growth or supplement with algae wafers if the tank is too clean. They appreciate moderate to harder water for shell health, so adding crushed coral or a small piece of cuttlebone can help in soft-water setups. Make sure the tank has a tight lid, as nerites are climbers and will explore above the waterline if given the chance.
Tankmates & Behavior: Completely peaceful. Safe with all shrimp species, including dwarf Neocaridina and Caridina, and all peaceful community fish. Will not bother live plants, including delicate ones like Bucephalandra, which is a major advantage over many other algae-eating snails.
Parameters: Temperature: 72-80°F | pH: 7.0-8.5 | GH: 6-15 | KH: 3-10 | Difficulty: Beginner
No, Horned Nerite Snails require brackish water for their eggs to hatch, so they will not overpopulate a freshwater tank. They may lay small white eggs on hardscape, but those eggs will not develop, which makes them ideal for keepers who want algae control without a snail explosion.
