Our Guide To Keeping Olive Green Nerite Snails
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About Fish Species:
- Scientific name: Neritina reclivata
- Common name: Olive Green Nerite Snail
- Family: Neritidae
- Origin: Coastal and freshwater rivers in North and Central America
- Adult length: 2-3 cm
- Lifespan: 1 to 2 years
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Tank Setup:
- Olive Green Nerite Snails do well 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 small group of snails.
- Keep a secure lid on the tank, as these snails may occasionally climb out.
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Water Parameters:
- They prefer slightly alkaline water with a pH range of 7.0 to 8.5, which is beneficial for their shells.
- Maintain a water temperature between 22 to 28°C (72 to 82°F).
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Filtration and Water Flow:
- A moderate water flow is ideal, allowing the snails to graze comfortably without disturbance from strong currents.
- Ensure good water quality, as Olive Green Nerite Snails are sensitive to ammonia and nitrate levels.
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Diet:
- These snails primarily feed on algae, making them valuable for controlling algae growth in the tank.
- If natural algae are insufficient, supplement their diet with algae wafers or blanched vegetables like cucumber or zucchini.
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Tank mates:
- Olive Green Nerite Snails are peaceful and compatible with most community fish, including tetras, rasboras, and shrimp.
- Avoid housing 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, helping to keep tank surfaces clean.
- They do not reproduce in freshwater, eliminating the risk of overpopulation in typical home aquariums.