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: 70-80°F (21-27°C)
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.
