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Sun Thorn Nerite (Clithon donovani) | Algae-Eating Freshwater Snail – Superior Shrimp & Aquatics

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Sun Thorn Nerite Snail (Clithon donovani)

Sun Thorn Nerite Snail (Clithon donovani)

$4.00
$4.00
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Description
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Description
Sun Thorn Nerite Snail - Superior Shrimp and Aquatics
Freshwater Snails

Sun Thorn Nerite Snail

A 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.

Thorn-Like Shell Spikes Black-Yellow or Brown-Olive Colouration Cannot Breed in Freshwater Continuous Algae Grazer Shrimp Safe ½–1 Inch

Sun Thorn Nerite Snails (Clithon donovani), 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.

Appearance

Spikes, Shell & Colour

Thorn-like spikes protruding from the shell surface -- the defining feature of the species -- 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. Black-and-yellow spiral pattern or brown-olive earth tones -- colouration varies by individual -- 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. Larger than Zebra Thorn Nerites -- ½ to 1 inch at maturity -- 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.
Behaviour & Care

Algae Grazing & Husbandry

Continuous, broad-spectrum algae grazer -- one of the most effective in the hobby -- 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. Cannot breed in freshwater -- population is completely stable -- 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. Keep water line low or provide a covered tank -- Nerites climb readily -- 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. GH 6+ required for shell and spike integrity -- 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. Stock 1 per 10L -- avoid high nitrates -- 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 Neocaridina, Caridina, and other snail species.
Keeper's Note

The 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.

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Before placing your order, please review our DOA Policy Shipping Info
Reviews

Customer Reviews

Based on 4 reviews
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Young O Kim
Very Cute and Looking Healthy

I was worried after the shipment was delayed twice, but all of the snails arrived alive and in good condition. They were active right out of the package, moving around and exploring with their antennae. They are adorable little snails, and I even received an extra one (6 instead of 5). Very happy with this purchase and would definitely order from this seller again.

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Jason
Snail received does not resemble pictures

Snail I received has no thorns what so ever. Initially, I assumed there was a mix up. But after reaching out to the customer service email, I was told that pictures are only representative of species not necessarily what you will receive and that hidden within the DOA policy there are additional policies, that are not related to DOA, where it states this.

In short, if you order a sun thorn nerite, don't expect a thorns...

Hi Jason,

A few clarifications for anyone reading this review:

Our DOA Policy and Shipping Agreement are required confirmations at checkout. Every customer explicitly agrees to both before placing an order. They are not hidden.

The Sun Thorn Nerite (Clithon donovani) you received is a smaller, younger specimen, and thorns develop more prominently as these snails mature and age in your tank. The species name reflects the mature form, not the appearance at every life stage. Natural variation between individual livestock is standard across the live aquatics industry.

As a resolution, you were offered store credit, a free hand-pick on a future order, and a partial refund to your original payment, which was processed. That part isn't in your summary.

If a $4 snail, half of which was already refunded to you, ruined your entire order experience, online ordering of livestock may not be the right avenue. Hand-picking specific specimens in person at a local fish store would let you select exactly what you want.

John
Superior Shrimp & Aquatics

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Leethan

Very healthy and active little guys, excited to see what colors they develop as they age.

A
Audrey Soria
Bad customer service

Arrived dead and could not get a refund due to an email being unable to send.

Hi,

We take DOA claims seriously and work with customers every day to resolve them when the required steps are followed.

In this case, we did not receive any communication regarding this order. Our DOA policy requires customers to reach out within the stated timeframe with clear photos of the livestock in the unopened bag so we can verify condition upon arrival. This is standard and necessary, as livestock condition can change quickly after delivery and without that documentation there is no way to confirm what occurred.

The review mentions an email being unable to send, but we did not receive any attempted contact, and there are no photos, timestamps, or order details provided that would allow us to verify a DOA claim. When customers experience an issue, they typically resend the message or try another method of contact so it can be resolved.

It would not be reasonable or fair to hold a business accountable for a situation where no communication or documentation was successfully provided. Without that, there is no way for us to verify or process a claim.

We stand behind our livestock and ship a high volume of orders successfully each week. When the proper process is followed, we are always able to assist.

– Superior Shrimp & Aquatics

    Sun Thorn Nerite Snail (Clithon donovani)
    $4.00
    $4.00
    $4.00
    $4.00
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