Spiky Zebra Antler Snail Clithon Diadema 2cm

Overview

The Spiky Zebra Antler Snail, or horned nerite, is a tiny snail with a striped yellow and black shell crowned by a row of sharp, antler-like spikes. It grazes algae from glass, rock and plant leaves without harming the plants, and copes well in tiny tanks. Native to coastal waters from Southeast Asia across the western Pacific, it suits nano and planted tanks with hard, alkaline water.

• Adult Size: Around 1.5–2 cm (0.6–0.8 in)
• Lifespan: 3–5 years

Origin

• Native to: Southeast Asia to the western Pacific islands
• Habitat: Slow coastal streams, canals and ponds, clinging to rocks and pebbles

Feeding

• Diet: Herbivorous algae grazer
• Preferred Foods: Algae, diatoms, biofilm, algae wafers, blanched courgette, spinach
• Feeding Habits: Supplement twice weekly if algae runs short; provide calcium via cuttlebone or mineral blocks

Tank Mates

• Best with: Dwarf shrimp, small tetras, rasboras, guppies, other snails
• Avoid: Loaches, puffers, cichlids, crayfish, assassin snails and other snail eaters

Aggression & Behaviour

• Temperament: Completely peaceful
• Territoriality: None; happily shares surfaces with shrimp and other snails

Experience Level

• Difficulty: Beginner
• Challenges: Escapes open tanks; shell damaged by soft, acidic water; needs algae

Water Parameters

• Water Type: Freshwater, moderately hard and alkaline
• Temperature: 22–26°C (72–79°F)
• pH: 7.0–8.0
• Hardness: 3–18 dGH
• Flow: Slow to moderate
• Tank Size: Minimum 20 litres; one snail per 20 litres

Final Notes

Introduce it to a mature tank with some algae, as a spotless aquarium will not feed it. Its spikes can snag in nets, so move it by hand or in a cup. Eggs are laid as hard white specks but the larvae need salt water, so numbers never get out of hand. It is nocturnal, sensitive to copper, and will wander above the waterline, so keep the tank covered. Small, tough and decorative.