Not furry either, still lovely.
Olive Nerite Snail
Neritina reclivata
Also called Olive nerite, Vitta usnea (current accepted name per Wikipedia)
From Western Atlantic: from northern Florida along the Gulf of Mexico and through the Caribbean to Trinidad.1
At a glance the quick version
General figure for nerite snails in aquariums.
Looks how to spot one
Smooth, rounded nerite shell with an operculum
A compact, smooth, rounded shell in a plain olive tone, with a hard lid that lets the snail close up tight.21
Personality what they are like
A gentle, low-key grazer that works its way over every surface looking for algae, leaving fish, shrimp and plants alone.32
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Steady grazer and capable climber; in the wild it climbs marsh grass at high tide, so keep a tight lid on the tank.13
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Provide mineral-rich water with pH above 7 for good shell health and supplement with algae wafers or vegetables when algae is scarce.32
Home where they are happiest
Fresh to brackish water (wild salinity 0-19 ppt). Suggested 22-26 C (72-78 F), pH above 7.0, and about 5 US gallons per snail.123
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Grazes algae films on plants, rocks and glass; extra algae wafers, blanched greens and snail foods keep it fed.132
Company who they like around
Can live singly or in groups. Eggs laid in fresh water do not develop, as the young need brackish or salt water.32
The story where it all began
First described by Roding in 1798 and renamed many times since, this nerite lives in shallow bays, marshes and streams around the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. Its tolerance for fresh water made it a popular algae-eating snail with aquarists.1
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
In the wild it climbs up marsh grass blades as the tide rises to keep away from blue crabs.1
- 2
It copes with everything from fresh water to fairly salty brackish water up to about 19 parts per thousand.1
- 3
Aquarium Co-Op calls olive nerites one of the hardiest and easiest nerites to keep.3
- 4
Wild snails live in very shallow water, no deeper than about 1.5 m, among sea grasses and marsh plants.1
Recognised by the official bits
- Taxonomy
- Wikipedia treats Neritina reclivata as a synonym of Vitta usnea, first described by Roding in 1798; the species has over a dozen synonyms.1
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for an Olive Nerite Snail. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amountsevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeSmall, gentle water changesevery week
- Water testevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Olive Nerite Snail?
Furry Diary's starting plan is to offer small amounts of food daily. Since your snail grazes on algae, you only need to supplement with algae wafers or blanched greens when algae is scarce. Always follow the food label and ask your vet if you're unsure about amounts.13 Pet Wiki plan
What does an Olive Nerite Snail eat, and what should it never eat?
Your snail loves grazing on algae from plants, rocks, and glass, and you can give extra algae wafers, blanched greens, or snail foods. Never feed it anything with copper, as that is toxic to snails, and avoid giving it any human food or medicines without vet approval.132
How much space does an Olive Nerite Snail need?
Each snail needs about 5 US gallons of water to thrive. This gives them enough room to graze and climb, so a 5-gallon tank is perfect for one.123
What temperature, light or water does an Olive Nerite Snail need?
Keep the water temperature between 72-78°F (22-26°C) with a pH above 7.0 for good shell health. They can live in fresh to brackish water, and a tight lid is important because they are capable climbers.123
How often should I clean an Olive Nerite Snail's home?
Furry Diary's plan suggests small, gentle water changes every week and testing the water weekly. Rinse the filter in old tank water once a month, never using tap water, to keep the environment healthy. Pet Wiki plan
Can an Olive Nerite Snail live with others?
Yes, they can live singly or in groups, and they are gentle grazers that leave fish, shrimp, and plants alone. Note that eggs laid in fresh water won't develop, as the young need brackish or salt water.32
How long does an Olive Nerite Snail live?
With proper care, your Olive Nerite Snail typically lives 1 to 2 years. Providing mineral-rich water and a good diet helps them reach their full lifespan.32
Can I handle an Olive Nerite Snail?
It's best to avoid handling them often, as they are delicate and can get stressed. If you need to move them, do so gently and briefly, and always wash your hands before and after.32
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
You might also like
Nerite Snail
Horned Nerite SnailWhere this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
- Vitta usnea (Neritina reclivata) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, taxonomy, habitat, salinity, size, diet, temperature, fun facts
- Nerite Snail - Fishkeeping World fishkeepingworld.comused for colour, size, temperature, tank size
- Nerite Snail Care - Aquarium Co-Op aquariumcoop.comused for lifespan, care, hardiness, breeding
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.