Red racer nerite (Vittina waigiensis) care guide

Group

Snails

Other names

Gold racer nerite, Zebra racer nerite, Neritina waigiensis, Racer nerite

Family

Neritidae

Origin

Philippines and Indonesia (Sulawesi and the Maluku Islands), in mangroves, river deltas and vegetated coasts

Water

freshwater

Maximum size

3 cm

Temperature

22–28°C

pH

7–8.2

Hardness

8–15 dGH, 4–10 dKH

Minimum tank

20 litres

Care level

beginner

Lifespan

2–3 years

Care

The red racer nerite is a small algae-eating snail with a shell up to about 3 cm across. The shell pattern varies a great deal, mixing red, orange, yellow, black and white, often in repeating arrow-shaped bands that look like racing stripes, which gives the snail its name. It comes from the Philippines and Indonesia, where it lives in mangroves, river deltas and densely planted coastal areas. It was originally named Neritina waigiensis, and some shops still use that name. 'Zebra nerite' is also used for Neritina natalensis, a different species. Set-up: it suits planted freshwater tanks of 20 litres and up, and can live in brackish water too. It sometimes climbs out above the waterline, so keep a tight lid or leave a gap below the rim. If one ends up on its back it may not be able to right itself, so turn it over. Water: our sources give no figures, so the following is general guidance: 22–28 °C, pH 7.0–8.2, and moderately hard water with enough calcium to keep the shell strong. Soft, acidic water erodes nerite shells. Role in the tank: one of the best algae-eating snails for planted tanks. It grazes film algae, diatoms and biofilm off glass, rock, wood and leaves, and leaves healthy plants alone. A few snails per 40 litres or so keep a tank tidy without starving. Copper: copper-based medicines and some plant fertilisers are toxic to shrimp, snails and most other invertebrates. Never treat a tank holding them with copper, check the label of any fertiliser or medicine, and keep nets and buckets used for copper-treated tanks separate. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vittinawaigiensis). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Mainly algae and biofilm. It grazes soft green film algae, brown diatoms and biofilm from every surface. In a very clean tank, add algae wafers, blanched courgette or spinach, and calcium-rich foods so it does not starve or grow a thin shell.

Breeding

Females lay clutches of 50–100 eggs in small white capsules stuck to hard surfaces, which can look untidy on rocks and wood even though none hatch in fresh water. The planktonic larvae survive only in brackish water, so breeding in home aquariums is rare and needs a brackish rearing set-up. Sexes look alike.

Compatibility and tank mates

Peaceful and safe with fish, shrimp, other snails and plants. Avoid assassin snails, puffers, loaches that eat snails and large cichlids. It does not breed in fresh water, so it will not overrun a tank.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.