Cerithium spp. - Cerith Snail

The identification Cerithium spp. means that the exact species may vary. Shell size, colour and pattern therefore differ naturally between individuals.

Cerith snails typically have narrow, tower-shaped shells with numerous whorls, ridges, bumps or banded patterns. They are commonly brown, grey, tan or nearly black and are most active after the aquarium lights switch off.

Key features

• Small marine clean-up-crew snail
• Scientific identification: Cerithium spp.
• Common name: Cerith Snail
• Exact species, size and pattern may vary
• Elongated conical shell
• Grazes microalgae and diatoms
• Consumes biofilm and detritus
• Eats small amounts of leftover food
• Cleans sand, rockwork and glass
• May burrow into the upper sand layer
• Primarily active at dusk and during the night
• Completely peaceful
• Reef safe
• Does not normally harm corals
• Suitable for a varied clean-up crew
• Low biological load
• May reproduce in established aquariums
• Requires stable marine-water conditions
• Sensitive to copper-based medications
• Suitable for beginning marine aquarists

Care information

• Family: Cerithiidae
• Adult size: commonly approximately 2–4 cm, depending on species
• Diet: microalgae, diatoms, biofilm, detritus and leftover food
• Activity: primarily nocturnal
• Temperament: peaceful
• Reef compatibility: reef safe
• Care level: easy
• Recommended system: established marine or reef aquarium

Suggested water conditions

• Temperature: approximately 22–27 °C
• Specific gravity: approximately 1.023–1.026
• pH: approximately 8.0–8.4
• Alkalinity: approximately 7–12 dKH
• Calcium: approximately 400–450 mg/l
• Magnesium: approximately 1,250–1,400 mg/l
• Ammonia: 0 mg/l
• Nitrite: 0 mg/l
• Flow: low to moderate

Feeding

In an established aquarium, Cerith snails primarily feed on natural algae, biofilm and detritus. Exceptionally clean systems may require supplemental food such as:

• Spirulina-based sinking tablets
• Algae wafers
• Dried nori
• Algae-based invertebrate foods
• Mature biofilm-covered rock

Offer supplemental food after the lighting dims and remove uneaten food before it decomposes.

Introduction

1. Confirm that the aquarium is fully established.
2. Check compatibility with fish and crustaceans.
3. Measure aquarium temperature and salinity.
4. Dim the aquarium lighting.
5. Equalise the transport-water temperature.
6. Acclimate gradually to salinity and water chemistry.
7. Transfer the snails underwater whenever possible.
8. Place them at the boundary between sand and rockwork.
9. Confirm that the animals are upright.
10. Observe activity after the aquarium lights switch off.
11. Avoid all copper-based medications.