Neritina variegata - Batik runner snail
Neritina variegata, or as we call it in Dutch the Batik snail or Tattoo snail, is a species of snail from Asia. It owes its Dutch name to the variable pattern. In the aquarium it grows to about 2.5 cm.
Neritina variegata has a yellow to light brown base color with dark, reddish brown or black spots and markings. 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 Batik runner snail is excellent to keep with other snails, fish and shrimps.
Care of Neritina variegata
Correct water quality is very important for good care. Snails are quite sensitive to heavy metals. Neritina snails often crawl above the water surface. A glass cover is a handy tool, but also ensure 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. Neritina snails will not reproduce in the aquarium. They will lay white, oval eggs.
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 variegata properties
| Scientific name: | Neritina variegata |
| Dutch name: | Batik Race Snail, Tattoo Snail, Tattoo Snail |
| Origin: | Asia, Indonesia |
| Length: | 2.5 - 3 cm |
| Temperature: | 20-28 °C |
| pH: | 6.5-8.0 |
| GH: | 5 - 20 °dH |
| KH: | > 5 °dH |
| Grow: | brackish water |
| Aquarium Content: | > 20L (approx. 1 snail per 20 L) |
