Tiger Nerite Snail (Neritina sp. tigre) 2 cm

Overview

The Tiger Nerite Snail (Neritina sp. tigre) is a compact, eye-catching freshwater snail prized for its bold striping, excellent algae-grazing habits and easy-going nature. Reaching around 3 cm at full size, this 2 cm specimen is a brilliant choice for aquarists looking for a practical clean-up crew member that also adds real character to the aquarium.

Nerites are among the most useful invertebrates for community aquariums because they spend much of their time browsing glass, décor and hardscape for biofilm and soft algae. They are peaceful, hardy and well suited to planted tanks, shrimp setups and mature community aquariums. Please note that, like other nerites, they may lay small white eggs on hard surfaces; these are harmless in freshwater but usually will not hatch in the aquarium.

At Tropical Fish Co, we select healthy livestock and pack with care for fast UK delivery. This species is covered by our live arrival guarantee, giving you confidence when ordering online.

Care at a Glance

Origin & Natural Habitat

Neritina species are found in tropical and subtropical waters across parts of Asia and the Indo-Pacific region, where they inhabit rivers, estuaries, mangroves and rocky shorelines. Many nerites naturally live in areas with moving water and hard surfaces covered in biofilm and algae, which explains their excellent grazing behaviour in the aquarium.

While the exact origin of Neritina sp. tigre can vary depending on collection and trade line, its care requirements reflect the genus as a whole: stable, clean water, good oxygenation and access to surfaces to graze. In nature, nerites are adapted to mineral-rich environments, which is why they generally do best in harder, more alkaline water rather than soft, acidic conditions.

Tank Setup & Water Parameters

A mature aquarium with stable water quality is ideal for Tiger Nerite Snails. They are not demanding, but they do appreciate a well-established tank with plenty of surfaces to explore. Smooth glass, driftwood, stones and broad plant leaves all provide grazing areas. A secure lid is recommended, as nerites can occasionally wander above the waterline.

For best results, keep temperature between 19-26°C, with a pH of 6.8-8.5. Harder water is strongly preferred, and the supplied range of 10-31 dGH suits their shell health and long-term wellbeing. Soft, acidic water can gradually erode the shell, so if your aquarium is very soft you may need to remineralise or choose a different species.

Filtration should be gentle to moderate, but the tank should still have good oxygenation and low levels of ammonia and nitrite. Like all invertebrates, nerites are sensitive to copper-based medications and poor water quality. Avoid introducing them to newly set up aquariums; a mature tank with established biofilm will help them settle and feed naturally.

Because they are small and peaceful, they can be kept in nano aquariums, but a larger tank often provides more stable water conditions. A minimum of around 20 litres is suitable for a single snail, with additional volume recommended if keeping several or combining them with other livestock.

Feeding Guide

Tiger Nerite Snails are primarily algae grazers. In a healthy aquarium they will spend much of the day browsing on glass, ornaments and plant leaves, picking at soft algae and biofilm. This makes them excellent helpers in planted and display tanks, but they should still be offered supplementary food if natural grazing is limited.

Suitable foods include algae wafers, sinking vegetable-based pellets, blanched courgette, spinach and cucumber in small amounts. Remove uneaten fresh food promptly to protect water quality. Nerites do not need protein-rich diets, and overfeeding can quickly foul a small aquarium.

It is worth noting that nerites are not a solution to severe algae problems on their own. They are best seen as part of a balanced maintenance routine alongside sensible lighting, regular water changes and controlled feeding of the fish in the tank.

Tank Mates / Compatibility

Tiger Nerite Snails are peaceful and generally compatible with calm community fish and invertebrates. They do best with species that will not nip at their antennae or attempt to eat them. Good tank mates include small tetras, rasboras, guppies, endlers, corydoras, otocinclus, peaceful dwarf gouramis, cherry shrimp and other non-aggressive invertebrates.

Avoid housing them with snail-eating or fin-nipping fish such as puffers, large loaches, many cichlids, large barbs and aggressive species that may harass them. Crayfish and large predatory shrimp can also be a risk. If you keep loaches, be aware that many species will investigate and may damage snails, especially at night.

As with all aquarium snails, ensure there is enough food available and avoid copper treatments. If your tank contains fish that are known to nip at snail tentacles, provide plenty of hiding places and monitor carefully. Nerites are tough for their size, but they are still best kept with peaceful companions.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co

When you order live aquatic livestock from Tropical Fish Co, you can expect careful selection, professional packing and reliable service from a UK-based specialist. We understand how important healthy arrival is, which is why we offer a live arrival guarantee and fast UK delivery on eligible orders.

Our Tiger Nerite Snails are chosen for quality and condition, so you receive a strong, attractive specimen ready to settle into your aquarium. Whether you are building a planted nano tank, adding a useful algae grazer to a community setup or simply looking for a distinctive invertebrate with real personality, this species is an excellent choice.

With its striking patterning, practical algae-eating behaviour and straightforward care needs, the Tiger Nerite Snail is a superb addition to many freshwater aquariums. Keep it in stable, mineral-rich water, provide plenty of grazing surfaces and enjoy one of the most useful little clean-up crew members available.