Pumpkin Red Nerite Snail: The Brightest Algae Eater in Your Aquarium

If you're looking for an efficient, eye-catching algae eater that won't overpopulate your tank, the Pumpkin Red Nerite Snail is the perfect addition. With its bold orange-red shell and peaceful temperament, this little powerhouse adds both form and function to any freshwater setup.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned hobbyist, this snail is an easy, beautiful choice for keeping your tank clean and lively.

---

? What Is a Pumpkin Red Nerite Snail?

The Pumpkin Red Nerite Snail is a color variation of the popular Nerite Snail family, typically Neritina natalensis or Vittina waigiensis. Known for their smooth, deep red-orange shells — often with subtle stripes or patterns — these snails bring a splash of seasonal color that lasts all year.

They’re small (usually under 1 inch), hardy, and among the most efficient algae eaters available to freshwater aquarists.

---

? Why Keep a Pumpkin Red Nerite Snail?

✅ 1. Algae Control, Naturally

They eat:

• Green spot algae

• Soft film algae

• Diatoms (brown algae)

• Biofilm on glass, rocks, and decorations

They're tireless cleaners — great for planted tanks, shrimp tanks, or minimal-maintenance setups.

✅ 2. Striking Shell Color

Their warm pumpkin-orange hue stands out against green plants, dark substrates, and driftwood. Unlike other nerite types, this one adds a bright, modern accent to aquascapes.

✅ 3. Zero Risk of Overbreeding

Pumpkin Nerites cannot reproduce in freshwater — they need brackish water for their eggs to hatch. You may see small white eggs on décor or glass, but they’ll never hatch in a freshwater tank.

✅ 4. Peaceful and Community-Safe

They won’t eat plants, attack shrimp, or harass tankmates. They're ideal for peaceful community tanks or nano setups.

---

? Care Guidelines

• Scientific Name: Neritina sp. (Pumpkin/Red Variant)

• Common Name: Pumpkin Red Nerite

• Size: Up to 1 inch

• Lifespan: 1–2 years

• Temperament: Peaceful

• Tank Size: 5+ gallons

? Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)

• pH: 7.0–8.2

• Hardness: Medium to hard (essential for shell health)

• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm — very sensitive to poor water quality

? Diet:

• Algae

• Biofilm

• Algae wafers (if algae is scarce)

• Blanched veggies (spinach, zucchini) occasionally

---

⚠️ Keep in Mind

• ? Egg Spots: They may lay tiny white eggs — harmless, but may be cosmetically undesirable to some.

• ? Shell Health: Provide calcium-rich water or supplements to avoid shell erosion.

• ? Escape Artists: Like all nerites, they may climb out — keep a tight-fitting lid on the tank.