Olive Nerite Snail (Neritina reclivata) – Algae-eating freshwater snail for aquariums; hardy, peaceful, and perfect for natural tank cleaning.

Bring balance and beauty to your aquarium with the Olive Nerite Snail (Neritina reclivata), one of nature’s most efficient and peaceful algae eaters. Known for its olive-green to brown shell and calm temperament, this small but mighty freshwater snail keeps tanks spotless and healthy without harming plants or disturbing fish. A favorite among aquascapers and shrimp keepers, the Olive Nerite Snail provides a natural, chemical-free cleaning solution that enhances both water quality and aesthetic appeal.

🌿 Species Overview
The Olive Nerite Snail is native to coastal and river habitats of the southeastern United States, the Caribbean, and Central America, where it thrives in fresh and slightly brackish waters. This species’ distinctive olive-colored shell, often marked with faint stripes or speckles, blends seamlessly into planted tanks, offering both visual charm and practical benefits. Reaching about ½ to 1 inch in size, these snails are compact, hardy, and long-lived, often surviving 1–2 years or more with proper care.

Their peaceful nature makes them ideal for community aquariums, where they coexist harmoniously with fish, shrimp, and other invertebrates. Unlike pest snails, Olive Nerites do not reproduce in freshwater, meaning they’ll never overpopulate your tank, a major plus for aquarists seeking a balanced ecosystem.

💧 Natural Algae Control
These snails are tireless workers, grazing on diatoms, soft green algae, biofilm, and film algae that accumulate on glass, rocks, driftwood, and plant leaves. Their specialized mouthparts allow them to scrape surfaces clean without damaging delicate plants. Whether in a heavily planted aquascape or a fish-only setup, Olive Nerites help maintain clear glass, healthy plants, and balanced nutrient levels, reducing the need for frequent tank maintenance.

🌿 Ideal Tank Conditions
To thrive, Olive Nerite Snails need stable, clean water and access to food sources like algae or blanched vegetables. They are hardy but sensitive to poor water quality, so regular maintenance is key.

Recommended Parameters:

• Tank Size: 5 gallons minimum (larger tanks support multiple snails)

• Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)

• pH: 7.0–8.2 (avoid acidic water; it can erode their shell)

• Hardness: Moderate to hard (maintains shell health)

• Salinity: Freshwater to slightly brackish (can tolerate low salt levels)

• Lifespan: 1–2 years with proper care

• Behavior: Peaceful, non-aggressive grazer

Because they can escape in search of food or better conditions, ensure your tank has a secure lid and that water levels aren’t filled to the very top.

🌱 Feeding & Care
Olive Nerite Snails primarily eat algae and biofilm, but in low-algae tanks, they appreciate supplemental feeding. Offer:

• Blanched vegetables: Zucchini, spinach, or kale slices

• Algae wafers or spirulina pellets

• Calcium-rich foods or cuttlebone to maintain strong shell structure

Avoid copper-based medications or fertilizers, copper is toxic to all snails and invertebrates.

🐠 Compatibility & Behavior
The Olive Nerite Snail is non-aggressive and highly compatible with peaceful tankmates such as:

• Shrimp (Neocaridina, Caridina)

• Small community fish (guppies, tetras, rasboras, livebearers)

• Other snails (Mystery, Rabbit, Ramshorn)

They should not be kept with predatory species such as loaches, pufferfish, or large cichlids that may damage or eat them.

💎 Breeding Note
Olive Nerite Snails lay tiny white eggs on hard surfaces, a natural behavior that adds character but won’t result in baby snails unless the larvae are raised in brackish water. In freshwater, the eggs won’t hatch, making them a self-regulating, no-overpopulation species.

🌿 Benefits at a Glance

• 🌱 Superior algae control for glass, rocks, and plants

• 💧 Improves tank cleanliness naturally and sustainably

• 🐌 Won’t overpopulate – cannot breed in freshwater

• 🌾 Safe for plants, shrimp, and fish

• 🌞 Hardy and low-maintenance – ideal for beginners

• 🌺 Adds natural beauty with its smooth olive shell and calm presence

🌍 Ecological & Aesthetic Value
Beyond their cleaning prowess, Olive Nerite Snails contribute to a balanced, thriving aquarium ecosystem. By consuming algae and organic buildup, they help stabilize water parameters and promote biological health. Their natural foraging behavior adds movement and realism to aquascapes, while their muted tones bring earthy harmony to colorful tanks.

🌱 Summary of Care
Scientific Name: Neritina reclivata
Common Name: Olive Nerite Snail
Origin: Southeastern U.S., Caribbean, Central America
Tank Size: 5+ gallons
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Algae, biofilm, vegetables
Lifespan: 1–2 years
Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
pH: 7.0–8.2
Hardness: Moderate–hard
Reproduction: Requires brackish water; no overpopulation in freshwater

✨ Why You’ll Love It
If you’re seeking a natural, eco-friendly solution to algae buildup, the Olive Nerite Snail is your perfect ally. It’s hardy, peaceful, attractive, and works tirelessly to keep your tank clean, all without disturbing plants or tankmates. Whether you’re maintaining a heavily planted aquascape, a shrimp colony, or a community tank, this snail brings both function and beauty to your underwater world.

🌊 Add the Olive Nerite Snail (Neritina reclivata) to your aquarium today and experience the perfect blend of nature’s design and effortless tank maintenance, a living janitor that keeps your aquatic ecosystem sparkling clean, balanced, and serene. 🌿🐚💧