About the species

The marble snail is a small nerite with marbled cream-and-brown patterning. The species is so variable that no two animals look exactly alike, and some individuals carry small spines. It grazes algae and biofilm continuously and is entirely peaceful towards both shrimp and plants.

Facts

• Latin name: Clithon sowerbianum
• Common name: Marble Snail
• Size: 1.5–2.5 cm
• Lifespan: 3–8 years

Behavior

Marble Snail is a small, peaceful grazer that works in a nano tank thanks to its size. It moves across glass, stone and driftwood and leaves healthy plants alone. It suits dwarf shrimp and small, calm fish. A tight lid is needed since it readily climbs above the waterline.

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

Marble 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: 20 litres
• Substrate: Gravel with stone and driftwood to graze on

Difficulty level

🟢 Easy

Recommendation

Marble and Pink Lady are the same species, sorted by colour — pick the pattern you like best. The snail works from about 20 litres and is a rewarding choice in a shrimp tank, since it keeps surfaces clean without ever becoming too numerous.