Red Onion Snail
The red onion snail, or onion nerite snail, is a scavenger and algae eater and, like all nerites, plant-safe. The pattern is a red body with small line patterns around the shell. Nerite snails do not overrun the fish tank and only grow to about one inch at full maturity. In fact, to breed, nerite snails need salt water. Nerites do well in most water conditions except for pH below 7.0.
These attractive snails do not get bigger than an inch, and we recommend several for algae control in larger tanks.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Neritina sp. |
|---|---|
| Origin | East Africa and Indo-Pacific coastal streams (wild-caught) |
| Care Level | Easy |
FAQ
What is the maximum size of a red onion snail?
The red onion snail grows to about one inch at full maturity.
Are red onion snails safe for aquarium plants?
Yes, red onion snails are plant-safe and do not damage aquatic plants.
What water conditions do red onion snails prefer?
They thrive in most water conditions but do not do well in water with pH below 7.0.
Carol Gray –
I added several red onion snails to my 20-gallon tank and they’ve been actively eating algae without harming my plants. They’re small and easy to care for. The red color is quite noticeable and adds a nice touch to the tank.
Pippa Turner –
The snails are active and help keep the glass and decorations clean. I noticed they don’t spread or overpopulate like some other snail species. Good value for algae control.
Samantha Oliver –
Perfect for a beginner aquarist. They’re peaceful, don’t eat plants, and stay small. I’ve had them for three months and they’re still healthy and active.