Can nerite snails live with clown loaches?
Verdict
No
No. Nerite snails and clown loaches should not share a tank. Clown loaches hunt snails, so nerite snails will be eaten.
What to watch
- Deal breakerClown loaches hunt snails, so nerite snails will be eaten.
- Watch outThey only share 77–78°F. Keep the heater set there and steady.
- Watch outClown loaches grow to 8 inches and need 75 gallons, far more than a tank set up for nerite snails.
What works
- pH 7–7.5 suits both.
Water side by side
Size to scale
Care at a glance
| Nerite snail | Clown loach | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–78 °F | 77–86 °F |
| pH | 7–8.5 | 6–7.5 |
| Adult size | 1.0 in | 8.0 in |
| Minimum tank | 5 gal | 75 gal |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Swims at | Bottom | Bottom |
| Group | Alone or in pairs | Groups of 5+ |
| Diet | Herbivore | Omnivore |
Better tank mates for nerite snails
Better tank mates for clown loaches
Questions
Can nerite snails live with clown loaches?
No. Nerite snails and clown loaches should not share a tank. Clown loaches hunt snails, so nerite snails will be eaten.
What temperature suits both nerite snails and clown loaches?
77–78 °F. Nerite snails need 72–78 °F, clown loaches need 77–86 °F.
What size tank do nerite snails and clown loaches need together?
At least 75 gal, set by the clown loach. Add space for each extra fish.