Black Helmet Snail

The black helmet snail (Neritina pulligera), also known as the black military helmet or black racer nerite, is a popular freshwater and brackish aquatic snail native to the Indo-Pacific. Highly prized by aquarists, it is an incredibly effective and tireless algae eater that will not reproduce in freshwater. Key Details & Care Appearance: Features a smooth, glossy, jet-black to dark olive-brown shell that resembles an old soldier's helmet. Size: Grows up to 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 4 cm) in length. Diet: Consumes most types of nuisance algae. If natural algae are lacking, they must be supplemented with blanched vegetables or algae wafers to prevent starvation. Reproduction: Females will lay small, sesame seed-like white egg capsules, but these will not hatch in freshwater. This prevents them from overpopulating your tank. Tank Mates: Peaceful and safe for planted tanks. Avoid keeping them with snail-eating fish like loaches, large cichlids, or puffers. Habitat Requirements Water Parameters: 22C to 32C Hardness: Requires adequate calcium and a higher pH to keep their shells from eroding. Tank Setup: They prefer spacious, well-oxygenated tanks with rocky substrates. Because they are excellent climbers and escape artists, a tight-fitting lid is essential