Horned Nerite Snail

Looks how to spot one

Rounded nerite shell with short spines, plus an operculum

A small, round shell banded in black and yellow, with a row of short horn-like points along one band. Like other nerites it can seal itself in with a hard lid.24

Personality what they are like

A peaceful, busy little grazer that spends its days polishing glass, rocks and leaves. It ignores fish, shrimp and plants.32

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Constantly on the move grazing algae, and an enthusiastic climber that may wander out of the water; a snug lid is advised.3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Keep hard, mineral-rich water so the shell stays strong; crushed coral or calcium and magnesium supplements help. Add algae wafers or blanched vegetables if natural algae runs low.32

Home where they are happiest

Freshwater or lightly brackish tank of about 5 US gallons or more per snail (Aquarium Co-Op says a 2-3 gallon nano can work for one). General nerite guidance: 22-26 C (72-78 F), pH above 7.0 (Fishkeeping World: 8.0-8.4), 6-12 dGH. In the wild it lives in fast streams and estuaries.231

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Grazes algae from hard surfaces; supplement with algae wafers, blanched vegetables and snail foods.132

Company who they like around

Happy alone or in groups. Females may lay small white egg capsules on decor, but the larvae need brackish or salt water, so they will not multiply in a freshwater tank.32

The story where it all began

Named by Linnaeus in 1758, this nerite was later moved into the genus Clithon, which it now anchors as type species. It lives where fresh and salt water meet across the tropical western Pacific and became a familiar algae-eater in the aquarium trade.14

Recognised by the official bits

Taxonomy (Linnaeus)

Described by Linnaeus in 1758 as Nerita corona; it is the type species of the genus Clithon.1