Common name: emerald nerite

General information

The Peppermint Snail, scientifically known as Smaragdia viridis, is a small, brightly colored marine gastropod. This species is often appreciated for its vibrant green shell and its beneficial role in the aquarium as an algae grazer. It is a member of the Neritidae family, which is known for its hardy snails that can adapt to various marine environments.

Care

Smaragdia viridis is a hardy species that can thrive in a well-established aquarium with stable water conditions. They are excellent algae eaters and will help keep the tank clean by grazing on microalgae growing on the tank walls, rocks, and other surfaces. They are sensitive to high nitrate levels and copper-based medications, so maintaining good water quality is essential.

Reproduction

Reproduction in Smaragdia viridis is not commonly observed in the home aquarium. In the wild, they lay eggs on hard substrates, and the larvae go through a planktonic stage before settling down and metamorphosing into juveniles.

Habitat

Peppermint Snails are found in shallow, tropical marine waters, often associated with seagrass beds where they feed on the algae and detritus. They are distributed across the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea to the shores of Hawaii and from South Africa to Japan.