Military Helmet Nerite snails are highly sought after for their distinct patterns and colors, as well as their ability to clean algae in aquariums. They are effective at removing algae from glass, plants, and decorations, and they also eat hair algae and keep the substrate clean. They are considered the best snail for eliminating algae in the aquarium hobby. They can survive in both freshwater and saltwater, but can only reproduce in saltwater, making them unlikely to overpopulate freshwater aquariums. They are peaceful and can be kept safely with fish, shrimp, live plants, and other snails. They are native to Africa and are not hermaphrodites, consisting of both males and females. They are easy to care for and hardy, making them suitable for beginners. Other varieties of Military Helmet Nerite snails include Black Racer Nerites, Sun Thorn Nerites, Tiger Eye Nerites, Zebra Nerites, and Zebra Thorn Nerites. They are herbivores and require algae in their diet, but can also be fed with algae wafers or blanched vegetables. To breed them, a brackish water environment with a calcium-rich substrate and a temperature of 79-80 degrees Fahrenheit is required. A group of at least 5 snails is recommended for successful breeding. The eggs will hatch into larvae without shells, which will develop shells and can be placed in either a brackish or freshwater aquarium. Recommended tank parameters include a temperature of 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit, a pH of 6.5-8.0, and a KH of 5-12 dKH, with a minimum tank size of 2 gallons per snail.
RECOMMENDED TANK PARAMETERS:
- Temperature: 65° – 85° F (18° – 29° C)
- pH: 6.5 – 8.0
- KH: 5 – 12 dKH
- Minimum tank size: 2 gallons per snail
Due to the natural nature of this product we cannot guarantee it will look exactly as pictured *