Is This a Baby?

[Garavar]

I have a fresh water tank with live plants, tetras, rainbowfish and 7 nerite snails. I was always told nerite don't reproduce in fresh water.

Today I found this tiny snail in the tank. Is it a baby nerite or a pest snail I have to worry about that somehow came on plants?

[925 Aquatics aka Daniel]

Looks like a bladder/pond snail to me.  Likely came in on the plants.  

[Garavar]

On 9/13/2024 at 5:56 PM, 925 Aquatics aka Daniel said:

Looks like a bladder/pond snail to me.  Likely came in on the plants.  

Will eat the plants or harmless? 

[925 Aquatics aka Daniel]

Will not eat living plants and they're totally harmless and beneficial.

They will eat dying/decaying plant matter, but that's always been a benefit for me.

They can reproduce quickly, however, if they do it's usually a sign that too much food is being put in the tank.  Their population booms or busts based on feeding amount.

[Tony s]

On 9/13/2024 at 6:02 PM, Garavar said:

Will eat the plants or harmless? 

Mostly harmless. It's getting very difficult to keep them out, honestly. They don't do much. nibble on surfaces. Kind of annoying. Unsightly, if that bothers you

[Solstice_Lacer]

I'm pro bladder snail, but I think they need a better name. I call them "slippery Petes"

[MWilk]

I like those little guys, they are lightweight so they can climb all over plants without disturbing them. They won’t multiply like crazy unless you overfeed. I have them in every tank I have and they never get too bad except in the shrimp tank in my kids’ play room at grandmas house. They get fed way too much there.