Can nerite snails live with pencilfish?

Verdict
Yes

Yes, nerite snails and pencilfish can live together. Both are fine at 75–78°F. Plan on at least 15 gal.

Nerite snailNerite snail72–78°F · pH 7–8.5 PencilfishPencilfish75–82°F · pH 5–7.5

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 75–78°Nerite snail 72–78°Pencilfish 75–82°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 7–7.5Nerite snail 7–8.5Pencilfish 5–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Nerite snail · 1 inPencilfish · 2 in0"1"2"3"4"5"6"
Adult length in an aquarium. A fish can swallow anything that fits in its mouth, roughly a third to half its own length for predators.

Care at a glance

Nerite snailPencilfish
Temperature72–78 °F75–82 °F
pH7–8.55–7.5
Adult size1.0 in2.0 in
Minimum tank5 gal15 gal
TemperamentPeacefulPeaceful
Swims atBottomMiddle
GroupAlone or in pairsGroups of 6+
DietHerbivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for nerite snails

All nerite snail tank mates

Better tank mates for pencilfish

All pencilfish tank mates

Questions

Can nerite snails live with pencilfish?

Yes, nerite snails and pencilfish can live together. Both are fine at 75–78°F. Plan on at least 15 gal.

What temperature suits both nerite snails and pencilfish?

75–78 °F. Nerite snails need 72–78 °F, pencilfish need 75–82 °F.

What size tank do nerite snails and pencilfish need together?

At least 15 gal, set by the pencilfish. Add space for each extra fish.