Neritina natalensis - Zebra runner snail

Neritina natalensis, or as we call it in Dutch the Zebra snail is a species of snail from South Africa. It owes its Dutch name to its color and the fact that it moves quickly for a snail. In the aquarium it grows to about 3cm.

Neritina natalensis has a dark base color with yellow stripes. He is very popular as a cleaner. Without taking a break, all surfaces are professionally cleaned of the growth of algae and micro-organisms. He leaves healthy plants alone. The Zebra snail is excellent to keep with other snails, fish and shrimps.

Care of Neritina natalensis

Correct water quality is very important for good care. Snails are quite sensitive to heavy metals. When the water is not good for them, they will crawl over the edge of the aquarium. A glass cover is a handy tool, but in the first place good water quality. It is important that the water is not too acidic and too soft. This can hinder the development of a sturdy house. Additional feeding is possible with all kinds of "algae tablets", "spirulina food" or "snail sticks" for the aquarium.

Extra attention

These snails are caught in the wild. Diseases and other undesirable matters may also be involved. It is recommended to keep the snails in quarantine first. Let them get used to the new aquarium water with the drip method. Place them with the opening down, as turning them over is very difficult, if not impossible, for them. They come in immature format.

Neritina natalensis properties

Scientific name:	Neritina natalensis
Dutch name:	Zebra Race Snail, Zebra Snail
Origin:	South Africa, Kenya, Madagascar
Length:	2.5 - 3 cm
Temperature:	18-30 °C
pH:	7-8.5
GH:	5 - 20 °dH
KH:	> 14 °dH
Conductivity:	350-950 µS
Grow:	brackish water
Aquarium Content:	> 20L (approx. 1 snail per 20 L)