So you bought a cute striped nerite snail to clean your tank and add some decoration, but when you go to look for it, it isn’t there!
If your nerite snail disappeared, don’t worry, it’s actually a very common behavioral pattern for these creatures.
Here is what you need to know about nerite snails and some suggestions for places to look the next time your slimy aquatic friend decides to pull a disappearing act.
Why Do Nerite Snails Disappear?
Before you panic and think that you’re an irresponsible tank owner because you managed to lose a snail, don’t worry. A common gripe among nerite snail owners is that they often don’t see these critters for days or even weeks at a time.
The answer lies in the behavioral patterns of the snails. Nerite snails like to burrow and climb, which means that they often wind up in spaces the average snail owner doesn’t expect them to wind up in. The patterns on their shells also make it easier to camouflage themselves but harder for you to spot them in the tank.
Where To Find Nerite Snails?
Nerite snails are also adventurous, which means that they tend to wind up in spots where you really don’t expect to see them. So if your snails disappear, here are a few places to check.
#1. At the Bottom of the Tank
Many nerite snail owners don’t know that they like to burrow and dig. However, these snails really like to hide under different materials.
If your nerite snails disappeared, often the first place you should check is the bottom of your tank.
If you have substrate or gravel, chances are that your nerite snail managed to crawl under the material and cover itself in it. The more sand, substrate, or gravel you have at the bottom of the tank, the more appealing it is for these adventurous snails.
Don’t worry if you don’t see your snail emerge for a few days, as they can do well in their little hiding places for a long time.
#2. On Tank Decorations
Besides being burrowers, nerite snails are also good climbers.
That means they can often climb on your tank decorations. Even if you can’t see them through a cursory look at the tank, they are still there.
Get creative with how you look for your nerite snail among your decorations. If you have plants, look at the underside of leaves and in lush canopies, or check to see if the snail is crawling up the stems.
Don’t be afraid to take the plants out of the tank and really look at them, as the snails can get really creative with their hiding spots.
If you have other decorations, such as rocks or driftwood, take them out and turn them around. Sometimes, nerite snails like to hide in driftwood hollows or attach themselves to the lip of tank decorations.
Your nerite snail isn’t trying to scare you by exploring; it just wants to have a look around. It is usually perfectly safe and sound in its hiding spot.
Also See: Why Nerite Snails Turn Upside Down?
#3. In Tank Structures
Sometimes, nerite snails are not content with just climbing on the tank decorations you provide for them and other members of your aquarium (how ungrateful). They’ll start exploring other parts of the tank as well.
If you haven’t seen your nerite snail for a while, check nooks and crannies in your tank such as on your tank filter or heater.
It’s very common for nerite snails to climb onto tank filters, heaters, water circulators, and other machinery you have in the tank. They like the changes in the surfaces, which make for great places to climb.
#4. Outside the Tank
If your nerite snail disappeared and you’ve regularly checked everywhere in the tank, try checking outside the tank because it’s possible that your snail pulled a great escape.
Nerite snails are creative, explorative creatures, and even if you think your tank is sealed, they will find a way to get out.
If you can’t find your snail in the tank, check around the base of the tank, on surrounding tables, and on the floor. It’s possible that your snail got out.
The snails may be great adventurers once they’re in the tank, but once they get outside they realize they can’t get very far. That means you will probably find them close to the tank, so you can localize your search.
Going on the great adventure probably won’t hurt your snail too badly. Nerite snails can live outside the tank for up to a week, even without food or water (although ideally you should find them beforehand). However, if the snail dies, you will probably smell it soon (unfortunate, but true).
Is My Nerite Snail In Danger After Disappearing?
If your nerite snail is prone to disappearing, you might start worrying about its well-being.
Usually, these snails are perfectly fine even when you can’t find them. They still feed and can even go for a few days without feeding. Nerite snail owners sometimes affectionately call this “going on vacation” because it is so normal for these animals.
If you notice your snails are missing for more than a week, inspect your tank to try to find any carcasses.
If you just can’t find them and are frustrated that they aren’t doing their duty of cleaning the tank properly, get a few more nerite snails. Then even if one disappears, the rest will keep cleaning the algae.
The only thing that is dangerous due to nerite snail’s adventurous nature is their penchant for leaving the tank. When they get out of the tank, falling from such a height can crack their shells, which is hard to recover from.
Make sure that your tank lid is sealed properly and that all the escape points are shut. Trim any overhanging plants as the snails crawl up the plants and drop down from the leaves.
Also, check out this guide to learn how many nerite snails you should have in your tank.
Final Thoughts
Not finding your nerite snail in the tank is a normal part of the ownership experience. They’re usually just burrowing, but you’ll want to investigate thoroughly to make sure one didn’t escape from the tank.
Hi! I’m Praveen Ghoshal, the founder of eFishkeeping.com. Inspired by my Dad, I got interested in fishkeeping when I was a kid. Since then, I have been involved with this hobby. Currently, I have 3 fish tanks at our home, and I enjoy this hobby with my full family. Read more about me here.