Red Onion Nerite Snail (Vittina / Neritina sp.) Add colour, character, and serious algae-eating power to your aquarium with the Red Onion Nerite Snail. Known for its deep red, spiral-patterned shell, the Red Onion Nerite is one of the most striking nerite snails available. Beyond looks, it’s an exceptional algae...
Add colour, character, and serious algae-eating power to your aquarium with the Red Onion Nerite Snail.
Known for its deep red, spiral-patterned shell, the Red Onion Nerite is one of the most striking nerite snails available. Beyond looks, it’s an exceptional algae grazer tackling soft green algae and biofilm on glass, wood, rocks, and hardscape without harming plants.
Unlike many freshwater snails, Red Onion Nerite Snails do not reproduce in freshwater, making them ideal for aquascaped and planted tanks where you want control without risk of overpopulation.
Why choose Red Onion Nerite Snails?
Outstanding algae control
Won’t breed in freshwater
100% plant-safe
Peaceful with fish & shrimp
Ideal for planted and aquascaped aquariums
Their small size and constant grazing make them perfect for nano tanks through to larger displays, keeping surfaces clean while adding a pop of natural colour.
Care Information:
Scientific name: Vittina / Neritina sp.
Adult size: ~2–3 cm
Temperament: Completely peaceful
Tank size: 20L+
Water parameters:
Temperature: 18–28°C (22-25°C optimum)
pH: 6.0–8.5 (if keeping in softer water shells may peel, use mineral foods with calcium to keep shells healthy)
Diet: Algae, biofilm (supplement with algae wafers if needed)
⚠️ Note: Nerite snails may lay small white eggs on hard surfaces. These eggs will not hatch in freshwater and can be removed manually if desired.
A perfect choice for aquascapers and planted-tank enthusiasts who want effective algae control with zero hassle.
We only ship snails out on Mondays for delivery on Tuesday (order before 11pm)
How We Ship Our Snails
We usually ship our snails using a "low-stress" damp method rather than filling a bag with water. We gently wrap them in damp paper towel and place them in an deli cup. This keeps them moist and safe without letting the water get dirty during the trip.
Why Your Snails Might Look "Dead" (Dormancy)
When your box arrives, your snails will probably be tightly closed up and completely still. They are not dead—they are just sleeping.
Shipping tricks the snails into thinking it is "low tide," so they go into a protective sleep mode to save energy. It takes them a little while to realise they are safe in a new home.
How to Wake Them Up
Put them in water: Place the snails into your tank or a small bowl of tank water.
Face them down: Place them right-side up on the bottom of the tank. Nerite snails cannot flip themselves over easily. If they are upside down, they won't open up.
Wait 24 hours: It can take anywhere from 4 to 24 hours for a snail to wake up and start moving.
Still worried? Give the snail a quick sniff. If it smells completely normal, it is just resting. A dead snail will have a very strong, terrible odour.
