Sun Snail

Sun Snail Sun Snail (Clithon donovani), also sold as the Sun Thorn Nerite, is a small nerite with a rounded shell decorated in a bold black-and-golden-yellow spiral pattern — some individuals lean more brown or olive — and short spines along the shell that set it apart from smooth nerites. It comes from coastal streams across the Indo-Pacific and stays small, reaching only about an inch, which makes it an ideal cleanup snail for nano tanks and aquascapes. ⚠ Copper Warning: Like all invertebrates, this snail is extremely sensitive to copper. Never use copper-based medications, algaecides, or plant fertilizers containing copper in its tank, and check that tap-water conditioners and plumbing are copper-free. Sun Snails are among the most effective algae grazers in the hobby, working steadily over glass, rock, wood, and hardscape to clear green spot, film algae, and biofilm. They are completely plant-safe and peaceful with fish and shrimp. Like all nerites they may climb above the waterline, so keep a lid or leave a little space at the top of the tank. Nerites lay small, hard, white eggs on hardscape and glass. These eggs will not hatch in freshwater — the larvae need brackish or saltwater — so your tank will never be overrun. They can be scraped off glass if they bother you. In soft or acidic water, nerite shells can slowly erode and develop pitting. Keep pH at 7.0 or above with moderate hardness, and supplement calcium if your water is soft. Feeding & Care Tip: Sun Snails get most of their diet from algae and biofilm. In very clean tanks, supplement with Hikari Mini Algae Wafers or blanched zucchini, spinach, or green leaf lettuce. Offer Glasgarten Mineral Junkie Treats or Glasgarten Mineral Treats regularly to support strong shell growth. Care & Ideal Parameters Difficulty Easy Temperament Peaceful Adult Size 0.5–1 in (1.3–2.5 cm) Group Size 1 per 5 gallons Ideal Temperature 72–80°F (22–27°C) Ideal pH 7.0–8.0 Ideal GH 8–14 dGH Ideal KH 5–12 dKH Staple Food Algae and biofilm; Hikari Mini Algae Wafers Treat & Supplement Glasgarten Mineral Junkie Treats, blanched vegetables Origin Indo-Pacific coastal streams Notes Copper-sensitive. Eggs do not hatch in freshwater. May climb out — keep a lid. Plant-safe.