Clown Loach and Nerite Snail Compatibility Overview
Clown Loach and Nerite Snail are generally not recommended to be housed together. Clown loaches eat snails. The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk. Review the behavior and water details before deciding whether to attempt the pairing.
| Factor | Clown Loach | Nerite Snail | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 77โ86ยฐF | 65โ85ยฐF | โ 77โ85ยฐF |
| pH Range | 6.0โ7.5 | 6.5โ8.5 | โ 6.5โ7.5 |
| Temperament | peaceful | peaceful | โ Compatible |
| Adult Size | 12 in | 1 in | โ 12ร difference |
| Min. Group | 5+ | 1+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 100 gallons (for both species) | โ | |
Compatibility Positives
Incompatibility Reasons
Species Profiles
Clown Loach โ Chromobotia macracanthus
Striking striped loach that grows very large. Peaceful with fish but will eat shrimp, snails and tiny fish.
โ Full Clown Loach care guide
Nerite Snail โ 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 Clown Loach live with Nerite Snail?
Generally not recommended. Clown Loach and Nerite Snail are generally not recommended to be housed together. Clown loaches eat snails. The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk. Review the behavior and water details before deciding whether to attempt the pairing.
What tank size do I need for Clown Loach and Nerite Snail together?
A minimum of 100 gallons is recommended for keeping Clown Loach and Nerite Snail together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Clown Loach and Nerite Snail?
77โ85ยฐF โ inside Clown Loach's 77โ86ยฐF and Nerite Snail's 65โ85ยฐF.
Is a Clown Loach aggressive toward a Nerite Snail?
The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk.
Related Compatibility Guides
Tank Size for Clown Loach and Nerite Snail
Use the scenario that matches the actual group sizes and temperament you plan to keep.
| Scenario | Tank | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum viable | 100 gal | Only for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring. |
| Recommended community | 150 gal | Adds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior. |
| Low-conflict setup | 220 gal | Best when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure. |