Neritina turrita (Orange Track racing snail)
Vittina semiconica
Neritina turrita / Vittina semiconica or in Dutch: Orange track snail, is a beautiful snail species for the aquarium. It occurs in coastal areas around the Indian Ocean. It is called "Orange track Snail" because of the pattern that sometimes consists of 3 interrupted stripes and resembles a tire track. It grows to about 3cm in the aquarium.
Algae and dead material is eaten and cleaned up by the snails. Vittina semiconica also keeps the aquarium windows nice and clean and is therefore an asset to the aquarium. They are very peaceful towards other aquarium inhabitants.
Care of Neritina turrita / Vittina semiconica
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 neither too acid nor too soft. A pH above 6.5 is desirable. A pH that is too low can hinder the development of a sturdy house. Supplementary feeding is possible with all kinds of "algae tablets", "spirulina food" or "snail sticks" for the aquarium.
They will never cause a pest in the aquarium. Brackish water is needed for reproduction.
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. Preferably put them with the opening down. They come in adult size.
Neritina turrita / Vittina semiconica properties
Scientific name: |
Neritina turrita / Vittina semiconica |
Dutch name: |
Orange track race snail |
Origin: |
South East Asia |
Length: |
2.5 - 3cm |
Temperature: |
20-30 °C |
pH: |
6.5-8.5 |
GH: |
10 - 20 °dH |
kh: |
> 3 °dH |
Conductivity: |
350-950 µS |
Grow: |
brackish water |
Aquarium Content: |
> 30L (approx. 1 snail per 20 L) |