Olive Nerite Snail Shots
March 2nd, 2008I just wanted to share a couple pictures I took of the Olive Nerite Snails in my 40G aquarium. As mentioned in last week’s algae writeup, these snails are fantastic organisms to have in your aquarium as algae eaters.
Here is a close-up shot of a Nerite Snail grazing on the glass. I imagine that this guy is scraping algae filaments from the glass that aren’t even visible to the naked eye.
Taken 100mm/2.8 with 68mm Kenko extension tubes
Here’s a little bit clearer shot of the snail’s mouth and foot. Their antennae constantly move back and forth over the ground in front of them, and sometimes appear to just flow with the current of the water.
Taken 100mm/2.8 with 68mm Kenko extension tubes
By keeping my nutrients balanced, and these snails in the tank, my tank is not algae free, but kept completely under control.
March 6th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
It looks like it wants to kiss!!
I need to get a small army of these guys for my 100. I wonder if the bichirs would eat them though.
March 6th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Most people report that their otherwise snail-eating fish/loaches/etc generally leave the nerites alone because of a thicker shell, and larger size. Of course, I imagine it would vary depending on the personality and persistence of your individual fish.
July 28th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
These little snails are amazing! I have 4 of them and they have done a super job of keeping algae under control! They are currently employed in my 10 gallon after I let it get a bit too green! They are happily munching their way to crystal clear glass!
July 29th, 2008 at 5:50 am
I’m glad they’re working for you Karen! Thanks for the comment. 🙂
September 4th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
[…] actually punctured by the spikes. From what I’ve read, these snails should be similar to the Olive Nerite Snails in terms of their algae eating ability. In addition, I don’t think that they will reproduce […]
December 23rd, 2009 at 7:30 am
I had these in two tanks (one olive per gal) and they worked great UNTIL. Until I downsized to one 55g loaded with clown loaches. It took a while but they ate 100 olives at a cost of 89 cents each plus shipping.
December 23rd, 2009 at 4:41 pm
Roger, that’s too bad! Loaches are known as “good” snail eaters. It’s just too bad when they’re snails you want to keep.
January 23rd, 2010 at 11:41 pm
What sort of water condition do they require. I would love to put them in my Tanganyikan tank.
January 24th, 2010 at 11:14 am
kbuntu, I’ve never kept the nerites in a Tanganyikan tank, but I believe the snails are collected down in Florida from the seaside. They can tolerate both fresh and brackish water. In truth, they might do better in your tank than our planted tanks because most CO2 injected planted tank are acidic enough to gradually dissolve their shell. They would probably appreciate the extra calcium in a rift tank. Give them a try and let us know.
January 24th, 2010 at 12:14 pm
Thank you for the reply.
This is very interesting. I do use sea shells to buffer my PH which is stable at around 8.6 so dissolving shells shouldn’t even be an issue. I will give it a shot. Just have to track down a source.
June 28th, 2010 at 7:19 pm
Great pics of your snails. I am so glad others are enjoying the benefits of these fantastic snails, too. I can’t say enough good about them. They seem to eat any kind of algae – brown and any variety of green – plus I believe they even got rid of some blue-green (which isn’t technically an algae, I guess)! They cause no trouble at all and are fun to watch. Some people might not like the sesame seed looking eggs they deposit from time to time, but I don’t mind, they dissolve eventually. If you’re looking for a source, google about Wilma and The Cause – I get mine from her for years. Hers are tank raised, healthy and clean. Nice person to work with. Enjoy your Olive Nerites!
April 18th, 2011 at 2:48 pm
Are these safe with koi fish?