Dusky Nerite Snail
Neritina pulligera
Dusky Nerite Snail (Neritina pulligera) — Easy care, Peaceful, under Snail. Minimum tank in the app: 5.3 US gal min; aim for 72–82°F and pH 7–8.5. The Dusky Nerite Snail is ideal for aquarists seeking a peaceful, low-maintenance herbivore that contributes to algae control.
Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.
Natural distribution
Various
We don’t shade a region on this simplified map—your text may be Europe-only, worldwide, listed as “Various,” captive-only, or outside the five areas used in the stocking calculator. That tool still scores whether your fish come from similar parts of the world.
Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.
Dusky Nerite Snail Tank Setup
Create a balanced environment with a variety of surfaces for grazing, including smooth rocks and driftwood, alongside ample hiding spots. Ensure stable water flow to avoid stagnation and consider a sandy or fine substrate for easy movement. Moderate lighting will support algae growth, which is essential for their diet.
What Do Dusky Nerite Snails Eat?
These snails feed slowly and prefer to graze rather than compete aggressively for food. Ensure algae is present, and supplement their diet with blanched vegetables to maintain health and vibrant coloration, as their feeding habits may lead to nutritional deficiencies if algae is insufficient.
Dusky Nerite Snail Tank Mates
The Dusky Nerite Snail is highly compatible with a range of peaceful tank mates, particularly small non-aggressive fish and other invertebrates. Avoid pairing with large, boisterous species that might outcompete them for food or disturb their environment. They thrive in groups, but keeping a maximum of 999 ensures ample resources and reduces competition stress.
Are Dusky Nerite Snails Good for Beginners?
In App-aquatic we file this under easy care. That still means a cycled tank, realistic stocking, and parameters that do not swing every weekend. Aquarists often underestimate the impact of copper in water, which can lead to rapid decline in snail health. neglecting to provide adequate grazing surfaces or overcrowding can result in competition for food and stress, compromising their wellbeing.
Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.
Log tests and reminders in App-aquatic—free, same data you see here.


