View Full Version : Need help deciding what kind of snail to get please!
emilyekk
05-25-2009, 2:23 PM
I am getting a snail to keep in my 5 gallon with my betta.
I've narrowed it down to these three:
- corona snail
- zebra nerite snail
- green tiger smail
All supposedly have a more covered shell to prevent the betta from nipping, the corona is supposed to max out at the size of a pea and the green tiger is supposed to max out at the size of a quarter. Not sure about the zebra - I think it's in the middle.
I had read that if the snail is too smail, the betta will attack it and eat it and I've read it it's too big it will overrun the tank...
I am also considering purchasing a snail or 2 for my 10 gallon, which is currently fully stocked, should I do this? Or just let the corys take care of the leftover food?
I'm going to try and order these today so input is greatly appreciated!!! =)
DoN_WoN
05-25-2009, 2:38 PM
i have 4 golden apple snails/golden mystery snails with my betta and he only nipped at the beginning and is cool now
kyryah
05-25-2009, 2:55 PM
Personally, I would say go with two zebra nerites. They are active, pretty, and eat mainly algae, which you do have to supplement with wafers if there isn't much in your tank.
You do not have to worry about ANY breeding either.
I have briggs, and they are great, but they are a big bioload, and they have such long, tempting looking antennae. The green tigers in my experience are pretty shy, and I would worry about the small size of the coronas.
Kristina
colinsk
05-25-2009, 10:22 PM
Add one vote for Zebra Nerites. I have two in each of my two tanks.
Yadokari
05-25-2009, 11:57 PM
I prefer clithon coronas. They are less likely to walk out of the tank, less to worry about. I also like the horns they have and their small size is perfect for a small tank.
BettaFishMommy
05-26-2009, 12:52 AM
the 'snackability' factor has to be considered here, since the betta might go after the smaller corona.
add another vote for zebra nerite!
Sounguru
05-26-2009, 1:10 AM
I have kept c. coronas with my bettas for over a year no nipping at all. Right now I have 5 in a 5 gallon with my betta and his shrimpie friends.
emilyekk
05-26-2009, 1:15 AM
I ordered one zebra nerite. Thanks all!
msjinkzd
05-26-2009, 7:10 AM
there is no way a betta could eat a c. corona, just for the record, but you made a great choice all the same.
there is no way a betta could eat a c. corona, just for the record, but you made a great choice all the same.
:iagree: Can't see bettas prying the soft tissues of the nerite snails. They are much better than apple snails.
I think it varies on the Betta too doesn't it. Some are much more agreable than others. Some will not do well with any other fish, shrimp, or peckable part of snail in their tank- others are quite peacefull and very good community fish.
They vary by individual. I think most are fine with inverts and fish with non flowing finnage.
Of course, there is no way to know your Betta's personality towards others until there are others in his tank.
I've also read stories where they had a nice peacefull Betta who one day just snapped and started attacking tankmates with whom he was peacefull with before.
As an aside on a similar vein: as a kids I kept 4 dwarf puffer fish (I had no idea how crazy an idea this was at the time) in a small community tank and they never once bothered a snail nor another fish- nor each other.
I lucked out big time.
You never know- fish get reps as species, but individuals seem to vary.