Red Racer Nerite Snail – Vittina waigiensis

The Red Racer Nerite Snail (Vittina waigiensis) is an attractive freshwater snail known for its striking red and black striped shell resembling a tire track. This hardy snail is popular among aquarists for its unique appearance and effective algae-eating abilities, making it a great addition to planted tanks and community aquariums.

Description:

Common Name: Red Racer Nerite Snail

Scientific Name: Vittina waigiensis

Family: Neritidae

Size: 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm)

Temperament: Peaceful and non-aggressive.

Difficulty: Easy

Native Region:

Native to the brackish and freshwater environments of Southeast Asia, particularly around estuaries and mangrove areas.

Aquarium Setup:

Tank Size: Minimum of 10 gallons

Temperature: 70-80F (21-27C)

pH: 6.5-8.0

Hardness: Moderately hard to hard water

Substrate: Sand or fine gravel; smooth surfaces help protect their shells.

Additional Tips:

Social Behavior: Completely peaceful; can be kept with a variety of community fish and other invertebrates.

Compatibility: Compatible with small peaceful fish, shrimp, and other snails. Avoid aggressive fish that may harm them.

Diet: Primarily herbivorous; feed a diet of algae wafers, blanched vegetables, and high-quality sinking pellets. They are excellent at controlling algae in the aquarium.