Neritina waigiensis (Red running snail)
Neritina waigiensis or as it is now called: Vittina waigiensis is a very popular snail for the aquarium. In nature it occurs along the coasts of the Philippines. It grows to about 2-3cm.
In nature, this snail can be found in freshwater, brackish water and seawater. Think of mangroves, riverbeds and swamp areas. Mainly in shady areas they crawl over hard surfaces. Sometimes this is also above the water level.
Neritina waigiensis does not reproduce in freshwater. They will therefore never become a pest in the aquarium. They do lay white eggs. Often on wood. They also do this in nature, hoping that it will be carried to brackish water. The larvae can hatch there and then migrate back to the fresh water. The snails that are commercially available are all wild-caught. It is common for their houses to be slightly damaged or show signs of breakage (as shown in the main image). Fortunately, they are able to repair the house to a reasonable extent.
The menu mainly contains algae. That is a positive feature for almost all aquarium enthusiasts. An aquarium remains better algae-free due to the presence of these snails. Other dead remains are also being cleaned up. They will leave plants alone. We would recommend feeding the snails with pellets or granules containing spirulina algae. Other green food and cooked vegetables can provide the necessary variety.
Due to their appearance, this is perhaps the most beautiful snail species for the aquarium. The base is often red with yellow edges, decorated with a striped pattern in black. There are many variations with zigzag patterns.
In the aquarium they often look for shady places. No place is missed and they will regularly appear on the windows. They do best in a group with several animals. A healthy Neritina waigiensis has a flat foot. This one is not very big. If the snail were upside down, it would take a lot of effort to turn over again. A little help can't hurt. Obviously it cannot be kept together with snail-eating fish or Anatome helena snails.
Neritina waigiensis properties
| Scientific name: | Neritina waigiensis/ Vittina waigiensis |
| Dutch name: | Red running snail |
| Origin: | South East Asia |
| Length: | 2 - 3cm |
| Temperature: | 20-30°C |
| pH: | 7-8.5 |
| GH: | 10 - 20 °dH |
| KH: | > 3 °dH |
| Conductivity: | 350-950 µS |
| Breeding: | Brackish water |
| Aquarium contents: | > 50L (approx. 1 snail per 20 L) |
