Compatibility Overview
African Butterfly Fish and Nerite Snail can generally share an aquarium with appropriate planning. Both species prefer overlapping temperature and pH ranges, and neither poses a major aggression risk to the other. A minimum 20-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.
| Factor | African Butterfly Fish | Nerite Snail | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–79°F | 65–85°F | ✅ 72–79°F |
| pH Range | 6.0–7.5 | 6.5–8.5 | ✅ 6.5–7.5 |
| Temperament | semi | peaceful | ⚠️ Monitor |
| Adult Size | 2.4 in | 1 in | ⚠️ 2.4× difference |
| Min. Group | 1+ | 1+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 20 gallons (for both species) | — | |
✅ Compatibility Positives
⚠️ Caution Points
Species Profiles
African Butterfly Fish — Aquarium species
The African Butterfly Fish is a popular freshwater species known for its striking appearance and peaceful demeanor. It requires a well-maintained tank with plenty of swimming space and hiding spots. With a moderate activity level, it is suitable for beginners and can be kept in a community tank with compatible species. Regular water changes and a balanced di
→ Full African Butterfly Fish care guide
Nerite Snail — Nerita spp.
Outstanding algae-eating snails that do not reproduce in freshwater. Extremely hardy and compatible with virtually all peaceful fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can African Butterfly Fish live with Nerite Snail?
Yes, in a well-planned setup. African Butterfly Fish and Nerite Snail can generally share an aquarium with appropriate planning. Both species prefer overlapping temperature and pH ranges, and neither poses a major aggression risk to the other. A minimum 20-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.
What tank size do I need for African Butterfly Fish and Nerite Snail together?
A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for keeping African Butterfly Fish and Nerite Snail together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both African Butterfly Fish and Nerite Snail?
72–79°F
Is a African Butterfly Fish aggressive toward a Nerite Snail?
African Butterfly Fish is semi and Nerite Snail is peaceful. No major aggression issues are expected between these species.
Related Compatibility Guides
Compatibility score breakdown
The overall score is weighted across water chemistry, behavior, adult size, swimming zone, and social needs. A score is a planning aid—not a guarantee for individual fish.
| Factor | Score |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 100/100 |
| Ph | 67/100 |
| Temperament | 75/100 |
| Adult Size | 72/100 |
| Swim Zone | 92/100 |
| Social Needs | 92/100 |
Tank size scenarios
Use the scenario that matches the actual group sizes and temperament you plan to keep.
| Scenario | Tank | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum viable | 26 gal | Only for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring. |
| Recommended community | 40 gal | Adds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior. |
| Low-conflict setup | 55 gal | Best when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure. |