Our Guide To Keeping King Koopa Nerite Snails
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About Species:
- Scientific name: Neritina sp.
- Common name: King Koopa Nerite Snail
- Family: Neritidae
- Origin: Southeast Asia and Indo-Pacific regions
- Adult size: 2-3 cm
- Lifespan: 1 to 2 years
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Tank Setup:
- King Koopa Nerite Snails thrive in tanks with hard surfaces like rocks, driftwood, and tank walls where they can graze on algae.
- A minimum tank size of 20L is recommended for a few snails.
- Ensure the tank has a secure lid, as Nerite snails can occasionally climb out of the water.
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Water Parameters:
- They prefer slightly alkaline water with a pH range of 7.0 to 8.5, which supports shell health and durability.
- Maintain a water temperature between 22 to 28°C (72 to 82°F).
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Filtration and Water Flow:
- A gentle to moderate water flow is ideal, allowing the snails to graze comfortably without being disturbed by strong currents.
- Keep water quality high, as King Koopa Nerite Snails are sensitive to ammonia and nitrate levels.
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Diet:
- These snails primarily feed on algae, making them beneficial for naturally controlling algae growth in the tank.
- If algae are limited, supplement their diet with algae wafers or blanched vegetables like cucumber or zucchini.
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Tank mates:
- King Koopa Nerite Snails are peaceful and compatible with most community fish, such as tetras, rasboras, and shrimp.
- Avoid keeping them with aggressive, snail-eating fish like certain loaches and pufferfish.
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Behavior and Compatibility:
- These snails are calm and spend much of their time grazing on tank surfaces, helping to maintain a clean environment.
- They do not reproduce in freshwater, so there is no risk of overpopulation in standard aquarium setups.