Nerita polita

Datasheet

General Description

The Nerite Turbo Snail, also known as Nerita polita, belongs to the Neritidae family and features a turban-shaped shell with a striking mottled brown and white appearance. This snail species typically grows to sizes ranging from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches.

Aquarium Suitability

With its peaceful temperament and ease of care, the Nerite Turbo Snail is well-suited for aquariums. It proves beneficial as a scavenger and algae grazer, helping to maintain a clean environment.

Demands

This snail has minimal demands, requiring stable water parameters within the ranges of pH 8.1-8.4, a carbonate hardness (KH) of 8-12, and a specific gravity (SG) of 1.020-1.025. It is sensitive to high levels of copper-based medications and intolerant of elevated nitrate levels.

Care and Hardiness

Nerite Turbo Snails are easy to care for and relatively hardy, making them suitable for beginner aquarists. They primarily feed on algae, so ensure a stable algae source or supplement their diet with dried seaweed or vegetable-based tablet foods.

Reef Suitability

This species is considered reef-compatible, making it a safe addition to reef aquariums. Its peaceful nature and algae-eating habits contribute positively to the reef environment.

Aquarium Setup

When setting up the aquarium for Nerite Turbo Snails, ensure there is ample space for roaming by providing one to two snails for every 10 gallons of water. Including a secure lid is essential as these snails have a tendency to climb. Burying themselves in the sand during the day, they emerge at night to graze on algae.

Behaviour

During the day, Nerite Turbo Snails typically bury themselves in the sand but become active at night. They are known for their algae-consuming behavior, especially targeting hair algae.

Feeding and Diet

As omnivores, Nerite Turbo Snails primarily feed on algae. However, it is crucial to supplement their diet with dried seaweed or vegetable-based tablet food to prevent starvation if algae levels become sparse.

Habitat and Distribution

Nerite Turbo Snails, native to various tropical regions, are commonly found in intertidal zones along the coast. Their distribution spans across different locations where they dwell in marine and brackish waters.