{"product_id":"clithon-donovani","title":"Sun Thorn Nerite Snail (Clithon donovani)","description":"\u003cbody\u003e\n\n\n  \u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta name=\"viewport\" content=\"width=device-width,initial-scale=1.0\"\u003e\n  \u003ctitle\u003eSun Thorn Nerite Snail - Superior Shrimp and Aquatics\u003c\/title\u003e\n  \u003clink href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Playfair+Display:wght@400;600;700\u0026amp;family=DM+Sans:wght@300;400;500\u0026amp;display=swap\" rel=\"stylesheet\"\u003e\n  \u003cstyle\u003e\n\n    .ssa-pd *, .ssa-pd *::before, .ssa-pd *::after { box-sizing: border-box; }\n    @keyframes fadeUp { from { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(16px); } to { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); } }\n    .ssa-pd { font-family: 'DM Sans', sans-serif !important; color: #1e1a1a !important; background: #fff !important; line-height: 1.75 !important; }\n    .ssa-pd .hero { background: linear-gradient(150deg, #111111 0%, #2a0000 60%, #F40909 100%) !important; 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}\n    .ssa-pd .policy-bar a:hover { background:#F40909 !important; }\n  \n  \u003c\/style\u003e\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"ssa-pd\"\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"hero\"\u003e\n    \u003cstyle\u003e.ssa-pd .hero::before{content:\"\u0026#128012;\";}\u003c\/style\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"hero-tag\"\u003eFreshwater Snails\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003ch1\u003eSun Thorn Nerite Snail\u003c\/h1\u003e\n    \u003cp class=\"hero-sub\"\u003eA larger, spiky-shelled Nerite with thorn-like protrusions and striking black-and-yellow or brown-olive colouration -- the same continuous algae-grazing performance as other Nerites in a more visually dramatic package.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"feature-pills\"\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"fpill\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"dot\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Thorn-Like Shell Spikes\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"fpill\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"dot\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Black-Yellow or Brown-Olive Colouration\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"fpill\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"dot\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Cannot Breed in Freshwater\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"fpill\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"dot\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Continuous Algae Grazer\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"fpill\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"dot\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Shrimp Safe\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"fpill\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"dot\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e ½–1 Inch\u003c\/span\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"body-wrap\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"prose\"\u003e\n\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSun Thorn Nerite Snails\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eClithon donovani\u003c\/em\u003e), also known as Horned Nerite Snails, are a larger Indo-Pacific Nerite species defined by the distinctive thorn-like spikes that protrude from the shell surface. The spikes are a natural structural feature of the shell and vary in number and length between individuals; they are prone to occasional minor breakage which causes no harm to the snail. Shell colouration ranges from the striking black-and-yellow spiral pattern associated with the Zebra Thorn Nerite to warmer brown and olive-green earth tones depending on the individual. Sun Thorn Nerites grow 2 to 3 times larger than Zebra Thorn Nerites, reaching ½ to 1 inch in diameter, and are more visible and more impactful as display animals as a result. Like all Nerite species they are voracious, continuous algae grazers across all tank surfaces, cannot breed in freshwater, and are fully safe with all shrimp. Shell requires GH 6+ and a low water line or covered tank is recommended as Nerites climb readily.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n    \u003cspan class=\"section-label\"\u003eAppearance\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eSpikes, Shell \u0026amp; Colour\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"bullet-list\"\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"bl-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThorn-like spikes protruding from the shell surface -- the defining feature of the species\u003c\/strong\u003e -- the spikes of the Sun Thorn Nerite are a natural calcified extension of the shell structure, varying in number, length, and distribution between individuals. They are not a defence mechanism in any active sense -- they are prone to minor breakage during normal activity, which is entirely harmless and does not affect the snail's health or behaviour. The spikes give the snail a visually unusual, almost sculptural quality that distinguishes it immediately from smooth-shelled Nerite species.\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"bl-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlack-and-yellow spiral pattern or brown-olive earth tones -- colouration varies by individual\u003c\/strong\u003e -- Sun Thorn Nerites are not uniform in colour. Some individuals display the bold black-and-yellow spiral pattern associated with the Zebra Thorn Nerite, with clearly defined alternating bands running from the apex of the shell outward. Others present in warmer brown, tan, and olive-green earth tones with less clearly defined patterning. Both colour forms occur within the same species and both carry the same thorn structure. Specific colour form cannot be guaranteed on individual orders.\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"bl-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLarger than Zebra Thorn Nerites -- ½ to 1 inch at maturity\u003c\/strong\u003e -- Sun Thorn Nerites grow 2 to 3 times the size of Zebra Thorn Nerites, reaching ½ to 1 inch in shell diameter at maturity. This larger size makes them significantly more visible as display animals and more impactful individual grazers per snail. In nano shrimp tanks their size is part of their appeal -- a single well-placed Sun Thorn Nerite is visible and interesting at normal tank-viewing distance in a way that smaller snail species are not.\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cspan class=\"section-label\"\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Care\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eAlgae Grazing \u0026amp; Husbandry\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"bullet-list\"\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"bl-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eContinuous, broad-spectrum algae grazer -- one of the most effective in the hobby\u003c\/strong\u003e -- Sun Thorn Nerites graze constantly across glass, hardscape, driftwood, plant leaves, and substrate, consuming algae films, biofilm, and fine organic deposits without preference. They are particularly effective at removing the thin brown diatom and green algae films that accumulate on glass and smooth hardscape surfaces. Nerite Snails as a group are widely regarded as the best algae-grazing snails available in freshwater, and the Sun Thorn performs at the same level as other Nerite species.\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"bl-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCannot breed in freshwater -- population is completely stable\u003c\/strong\u003e -- like all Nerite species, Sun Thorn Nerites require brackish water to complete their reproductive cycle. Egg capsules may be deposited on hardscape, glass, and plant surfaces in a freshwater tank -- small, hard, white oval dots -- but these will not hatch. Population control requires no intervention. You will never have more Sun Thorn Nerites than you introduce.\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"bl-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKeep water line low or provide a covered tank -- Nerites climb readily\u003c\/strong\u003e -- Sun Thorn Nerites climb above the waterline regularly and will exit the tank through any gap. Keep the water line at least 5–7cm below the rim, or use a tight-fitting lid. A Nerite found outside the tank and returned to water promptly recovers; one left out for more than a few hours will not.\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"bl-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGH 6+ required for shell and spike integrity\u003c\/strong\u003e -- calcium is essential for healthy shell and spike formation. In soft water below GH 6 the shell thins and spikes become more fragile. Maintain GH 6+ consistently; add cuttlebone if your water is on the softer end. Standard Neocaridina parameters are fully adequate.\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"bl-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStock 1 per 10L -- avoid high nitrates\u003c\/strong\u003e -- Nerite Snails are sensitive to elevated nitrate levels. Keep nitrates below 20 ppm and perform regular water changes. Stock at approximately 1 snail per 10 litres to avoid overloading filtration capacity. Fully safe with all \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/neocaridina-shrimp-parent\"\u003eNeocaridina\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/caridina-shrimp-parent\"\u003eCaridina\u003c\/a\u003e, and other snail species.\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"tip-box\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"tip-label\"\u003eKeeper's Note\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Sun Thorn Nerite's spike structure makes it one of the most visually interesting snails to observe at close range -- the variation in spike length and distribution between individuals means no two look identical, and the combination of spikes with the black-and-yellow spiral pattern on the boldest colour forms produces a snail that genuinely reads as ornamental rather than merely functional. In a planted tank with dark substrate and natural hardscape, a small group of three to five Sun Thorn Nerites foraging across the front glass and foreground hardscape is a display element in its own right, not just a maintenance tool.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/freshwater-snails-parent\" class=\"cta-block\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cta-icon\"\u003e🐌\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"cta-text\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBrowse more freshwater snails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eExplore Mystery Snails, Ramshorn Snails, and more. Browse our full \u003cspan style=\"color:#F40909;font-weight:500;\"\u003eFreshwater Snails collection\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"color:rgba(255,255,255,0.4);font-size:1.4rem;\"\u003e→\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"policy-bar\"\u003e\n      \u003cspan\u003eBefore placing your order, please review our\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/doa-policy\"\u003eDOA Policy\u003c\/a\u003e\n      \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/shipping-info-practices\"\u003eShipping Info\u003c\/a\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/body\u003e","brand":"Superior Shrimp \u0026 Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44972538527952,"sku":null,"price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0639\/2895\/9184\/files\/sun-thorn-nerite-clithon-donovani-4275604.jpg?v=1775546108","url":"https:\/\/www.superiorshrimpaquatics.com\/products\/clithon-donovani","provider":"Superior Shrimp \u0026 Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}