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Horned Nerite Snail (Clithon corona)

Horned nerites do everything a zebra nerite does in half the size, which makes them the algae eater of choice for nano tanks — small enough to graze between carpet plants and inside tight hardscape without bulldozing anything. The tiny horns also make them harder for fish to harass. Sun horned, zebra thorn, and the pumpkin-colored Clithon sowerianum morphs all share the same care.

Care specifications

TypeSnail
DifficultyEasy
Max size0.6 in
Lifespan1–2 years
Temperature70–82 °F
pH7–8.2
General hardness6–18 dGH
Calcium needsHigh
Minimum tank size3 gallons
DietAlgae, Biofilm, Diatoms
RolesAlgae eater
Plant safeYes
Betta compatibleYes
Breeds in freshwaterNo
Population growthNone
TemperamentPeaceful

Brackish water note: Like all nerites, Clithon species need brackish water for their larvae to develop, so they never reproduce in a freshwater tank.

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Horned Nerite Snail

3 Horned Nerite Snails (Clithon donovani)

$12.99 In stock

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Frequently asked questions

Are horned nerites safe in a shrimp tank?

Completely. They ignore shrimp, shrimplets, and eggs, eat only algae and biofilm, and are too small to disturb even a delicate carpet. They are one of the few algae eaters with zero downside in a breeding shrimp colony.

Why did my horned nerite stop moving for days?

Nerites regularly go dormant for several days, especially after shipping or a water change — it does not mean death. Smell test settles it: a dead snail smells unmistakably foul within a day. Only remove it if it smells or the body hangs loose from the shell.

Planting the same tank?

Browse the aquarium plant database — verified light, CO2, and height data for every species — or let the plant finder rank them against your exact setup.