Nerites
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
Some species of these algae grazers will climb up the aquarium walls and will even leave the tank. Scott W. Michael
[edit] Overview
Nerita species can be hardy and good reef animals. Their shells are rounded with a low apex; the aperture is semicircular and the inside edge often has several distinct “teeth” or folds in the calcareous shell material. Typically, the outer shell has spiral grooves or ridges. Shells are drab; black and browns predominate. A few are white with attractive striping. Nerites are harmless to other tank inhabitants.
Family: Neritidae
Other common name(s):
Native range:
Maximum length: 3.8 cm (1 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 3.8 L (1 gal)
Lighting: Must be sufficient to support healthy algal growth.
Water: Marine 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)
[edit] Feeding
Feed on adherent microalgae.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
Common reef aquarium animals. Harmless to beneficial.
[edit] Breeding/Propagation
With sufficient food, they will lay many egg capsules on the aquarium walls. Reproduction and survival to recognizable juveniles is uncommon, but has occurred.
[edit] Notes
There are many species in the genus Nerita and its close relatives, all grazers on algae. Some are nocturnal and others are creatures of tidepools and will move up on the aquarium walls above the water level—or even leave the tank.
| Common name | Nerites + |
| Family | Neritidae + |
| Genus | Nerita + |
| Image credit | SWM + |
| Lighting | Must be sufficient to support healthy algal growth. + |
| Maximum length | 1 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 1 gal + |
| Native range | Tropical Seas + |
| Reference | A PocketExpert Guide to Marine Invertebrates + |
| Specific name | spp. + |
| Text credit | RLS + |
| Water max temp | 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 297 K (24 °C, 75 °F) + |
| Water type | Marine + |