Our Guide To Keeping Red Lipped Nerite Snails

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Neritina violacea
   • Common name: Red Lipped Nerite Snail
   • Family: Neritidae
   • Origin: Eastern Africa, specifically the rivers and streams of Tanzania and Mozambique
   • Adult length: 2.5 cm
   • Lifespan: 2 to 3 years

2. Tank Setup:

   • Red Lipped Nerite Snails prefer a tank with a capacity of at least 20 litres. Ensure the tank has a tight-fitting lid to prevent escapes.
   • Provide plenty of surfaces for algae growth, such as rocks, driftwood, and aquarium walls, as they will graze on these surfaces.

3. Water Parameters:

   • Red Lipped Nerite Snails thrive in water with a pH range of 7.5 to 8.5.
   • Keep the water temperature between 22 to 28°C (72 to 82°F).

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • A gentle water flow is suitable for these snails. Use a filter that provides mild flow to prevent them from being swept away.

5. Diet:

   • Red Lipped Nerite Snails are primarily algae eaters. Ensure there is sufficient algae in the tank for them to graze on.
   • If algae are insufficient, supplement their diet with algae wafers or blanched vegetables like spinach and zucchini.

6. Tank mates:

   • Red Lipped Nerite Snails are peaceful and can be kept with a variety of community fish, shrimp, and other snails.
   • Avoid housing them with aggressive or predatory fish that may harm or eat them.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • Red Lipped Nerite Snails are peaceful and spend most of their time grazing on surfaces within the tank.
   • They are not known to breed in freshwater, making them ideal for aquariums as they will not overpopulate.