Zebra Thorn/Horn Nerite Snail (Clithon diadema)

The Zebra Thorn/Horn Nerite Snail (Clithon diadema) is an increasingly popular nerite snail that is native to East and Southeast Asia. This peaceful snail has a highly variable range of colors and patterns on its shell and is a very attractive and useful algae-eating scavenger that is great for the nano or planted aquarium. 

Most of the nerite snails we offer have very similar care requirements and characteristics, and the Three-Color Thorn/Horn Nerite Snail is no exception. It inhabits fresh and brackish water areas and cannot reproduce in freshwater. This snail is a very effective algae eater and will thrive in a mature aquarium that has plenty of algae and biofilm growth. Some nerite snails are initially finicky about eating dry foods, but most will come to accept them, especially with foods that are high in spirulina or other plant content. Fresh vegetables are typically accepted as well. Nerite snails are hardy in a mature, stable, well-maintained aquarium, but they are not as hardy as some other snail species in subpar setups. It is important to remember that scavengers such as snails do not consume as much oxygen as most fish, but they still contribute to the bioload of the aquarium and they should not be overstocked long-term. 

What We Like About This Snail:

Completely peaceful

Many variable, attractive colors and patterns

Safe with all plants

Excellent scavenger and algae eater

Does not reproduce in freshwater

RECOMMENDED TANK PARAMETERS:

Temperature: 72° - 82° F (22° - 28° C)

pH: 7.4 “ 8.2

KH: 2 - 12 dKH

Minimum Tank Size: 5 gallons

CARE INFORMATION:

Diet: Scavenger that feeds continually. Requires very little feeding in a well-established aquarium containing algae, biofilm, or decaying plant matter. In less mature aquariums, high quality dry foods with high plant content can be sparingly fed daily.

Social Behavior: Peaceful 

Origin: Indigenous throughout East and Southeast Asia

Average Adult Size: .5 - 1 inch (1.3 - 2.5 cm)

Average Purchase Size: .25 - 1 inch (.6 “ 2.5 cm)