About the species

The Batman snail is named for the shape of its shell: two wing-like extensions point backwards and give a clear bat silhouette. The shell is flat and understated in yellow-brown to olive-black, without strong patterning — here the shape is what makes the impression. It is a diligent algae eater that likes to press itself flat against the glass.

Facts

• Latin name: Neripteron auriculatum
• Common name: Batman Snail
• Size: 1.5–3 cm
• Lifespan: 3–8 years

Behavior

Batman Snail is a peaceful and tireless grazer that works across glass, stone and driftwood around the clock. It leaves healthy plants alone and suits shrimp, other snails and calm fish very well. A tight lid matters — nerite snails readily climb out of the water and find every gap.

Reproduction

• Females deposit small, hard white egg capsules on stone, driftwood and glass
• The larvae require brackish or salt water to develop further
• The species therefore cannot reproduce in a freshwater aquarium and never becomes numerous

Feeding

Batman Snail grazes aufwuchs and feeds on:

• Diatoms and green algae
• Biofilm and bacterial growth
• Cyanobacteria and detritus

Grazing alone is rarely enough — supplement with:

• Food for algae eaters and snails
• Blanched courgette, spinach or nettle
• Catappa and other leaves that grow biofilm

Aquarium

• Minimum aquarium size: 45 litres
• Substrate: Gravel with stone and driftwood to graze on

Difficulty level

🟢 Easy

Recommendation

The Batman snail is a fun shape among the nerites and a fully capable algae eater. It is one of the more determined escapers in the group, so a tight lid matters especially here.