Horned Nerite Snail

Clithon corona

Invertebrates

A highly effective and tiny algae-eating snail characterized by the horn-like spikes on its shell. It is completely peaceful and will not reproduce in freshwater (though it may lay unsightly white eggs on decor). It requires an established tank with plenty of algae and hard, alkaline water to prevent shell erosion. Known to climb out of aquariums if a lid is not secure.

Horned Nerite Snail At a Glance

Adult Size1.5 cm
Body ShapeGlobular
Growth RateSlow
TemperamentPeaceful
Water TypeBrackish Tolerant
Flow PreferenceModerate
Waste OutputLow
StockingSolo or group

Horned Nerite Snail Tank Requirements

Minimum Volume19 L
Minimum Length30 cm
FlowModerate
Water TypeBrackish Tolerant
Must-Haves in the Tank
Established Algae (Otocinclus)
Stocking calculator

Will Horned Nerite Snail fit in your tank?

Care guides tell you what Horned Nerite Snail needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Horned Nerite Snail against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.

Horned Nerite Snail
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Horned Nerite Snail Water Parameters

Temperature2228°C
pH78.5
Hardness820 dGH

Horned Nerite Snail Temperament & Compatibility

Aggression LevelPeaceful
0/10
Where They Swim
Surface
Mid-level
Bottom
Stocking Guidelines
Keep at Least1 (solo is fine)
Max per TankNo limit
Can Live Alone?Yes
Behavior Traits
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Jumper (Lid Required)

Horned Nerite Snail Varieties

Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.

Standard

The standard horned nerite featuring swirling black and yellow patterns and prominent spikes. The spikes offer natural defense against inquisitive fish, but handling should be done gently to avoid breaking them.

Differs in 1 trait from base species

Also known as: Black and Yellow, Zebra Horned

Behavior Traits
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Jumper (Lid Required)

Horned Nerite Snail Care Guide Summary

The Horned Nerite Snail, scientifically known as Clithon corona, belongs to the Invertebrates family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 1.5 cm and have a globular body shape with a slow growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the bottom, mid-level, and surface zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.

To thrive, the Horned Nerite Snail requires a brackish tolerant aquarium with a minimum volume of 19 litres and a tank length of at least 30 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 22°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 78.5 and a general hardness of 820 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.

The Horned Nerite Snail is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. The Horned Nerite Snail is typically available in one standard form.

Horned Nerite Snail Habitat Setup

When setting up an aquarium for the Horned Nerite Snail, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom, mid-level, and surface zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise adequate surface area with floating cover to make them feel secure near the waterline, open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement, and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include an established tank with natural algae growth, as they depend on it as a primary food source. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.

Horned Nerite Snail Compatibility Notes

Classified as peaceful, the Horned Nerite Snail is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom, mid-level, and surface zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.

Horned Nerite Snail Recommended Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Horned Nerite Snail.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Horned Nerite Snail

How big does Horned Nerite Snail get?

Horned Nerite Snail (Clithon corona) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 1.5 cm. They have a globular body shape and a slow growth rate.

What tank size does Horned Nerite Snail need?

A minimum aquarium volume of 19 litres and a tank length of at least 30 cm are recommended for Horned Nerite Snail. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.

What water parameters does Horned Nerite Snail need?

Horned Nerite Snail thrives in brackish tolerant conditions with a temperature range of 22–28°C, a pH between 7 and 8.5, and a general hardness of 8–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.

Is Horned Nerite Snail peaceful or aggressive?

Horned Nerite Snail is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 0 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.

Can Horned Nerite Snail live alone?

Yes, Horned Nerite Snail can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.

Does Horned Nerite Snail have any special tank requirements?

Yes. Horned Nerite Snail benefits from established algae (otocinclus) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.

Does Horned Nerite Snail need a lid on the tank?

Yes. Horned Nerite Snail is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.


Fish Similar to Horned Nerite Snail

Olive Nerite Snail

Neritina reclivata

Invertebrates
2.5 cm Peaceful

The Olive Nerite Snail is highly prized for its exceptional algae-eating abilities and completely peaceful nature. They have a rounded, smooth, olive-green shell. Unlike many freshwater snails, they will not overpopulate an aquarium because their eggs require brackish or saltwater to hatch and develop. They are notorious escape artists and will climb out of the water, so a tight-fitting lid is mandatory.

Ramshorn Snail

Planorbidae fam.

Invertebrates
2 cm Peaceful

Ramshorn snails are highly adaptable, peaceful invertebrates named for their shells, which resemble a coiled ram's horn. They are excellent clean-up crew members that consume detritus, uneaten food, and soft algae without harming healthy plants. Because they are hermaphroditic and can self-fertilize, they breed prolifically if an aquarium is overfed.

Assassin Snail

Anentome helena

Invertebrates
2.5 cm Peaceful

A highly effective and popular carnivorous freshwater snail used primarily for pest snail control. They actively hunt and consume smaller snails like bladder, ramshorn, and pond snails. Featuring a striking yellow and dark brown spiraled shell, they are a functional and attractive addition to aquariums. Unlike many aquatic snails, they are not hermaphroditic and reproduce quite slowly.

Nerite Snail

Neritina natalensis

Invertebrates
2.5 cm Peaceful

The gold standard for algae control in freshwater aquariums. Native to Africa, these snails are renowned for their voracious appetite for diatoms and spot algae. A key feature is their inability to breed in freshwater; they lay white sesame-seed-like eggs that will not hatch without brackish/marine conditions, preventing population explosions. They are escapists and require a tight-fitting lid.

Bladder Snail (Pest Snail)

Physella acuta

Invertebrates
1.5 cm Peaceful

A tiny, fast-moving freshwater snail almost universally introduced accidentally via live aquarium plants. While frequently labeled a 'pest' due to their rapid, prolific reproduction, they are actually an excellent cleanup crew. They consume algae, uneaten food, and decaying plant matter without harming healthy plants. They are hermaphroditic and can self-fertilize, meaning a single snail can start a massive colony.

Mystery Snail

Pomacea bridgesii

Invertebrates
5 cm Peaceful

A large, popular, and active freshwater snail. Unlike other apple snails, they generally do not eat live, healthy plants, preferring algae, detritus, and sinking foods. They require calcium-rich, alkaline water to prevent shell erosion. Females will frequently leave the water to lay distinct pink egg clutches above the waterline.