What size tank do nerite snails need?
At least 5 gallons (19 liters). The smallest standard tank that works is the 5 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. Scientific name: Neritina natalensis.
How many nerite snails in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if nerite snails are the only animals in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many nerite snails |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | up to 2 |
| 10 gallon | up to 3 |
| 20 gallon long | up to 7 |
| 29 gallon | up to 11 |
| 40 gallon breeder | up to 15 |
| 55 gallon | up to 21 |
| 75 gallon | up to 29 |
| 125 gallon | up to 49 |
Check nerite snails against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Cannot breed in fresh water, so it never overruns a tank.
Tank mates for nerite snails
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Endler's livebearer
- Guppy
- Neon tetra
- Ember tetra
- Celestial pearl danio
- Sparkling gourami
- Platy
- Glowlight tetra
Poor matches
- Angelfish: Angelfish (about 6 in) can eat nerite snail (about 1 in).
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as nerite snail.
- Molly: Molly (about 4 in) can eat nerite snail (about 1 in).
Questions and answers
What size tank do nerite snails need?
At least 5 gallons (19 liters). The smallest standard tank that works is the 5 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many nerite snails should be kept together?
One is fine. A nerite snail does not need company, though a large enough tank can hold more than one.
Can nerite snails live in a 10 gallon tank?
Yes. A 10 gallon tank carries up to about 3 as the only animals in the tank.
What temperature do nerite snails need?
72–82 °F (22–28 °C), with a pH of 7–8.5. In most homes that means a heater.
Can nerite snails live with a betta?
Usually, yes, in a tank of 10 gallons (38 liters) or more. They like the same water: 75–82 °F (24–28 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.
More fish
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.