Clithon sowerianum

A Little More Information...

Clithon sowerianum is a small freshwater snail appreciated for its colorful shell and constant activity on glass, rocks, and décor. Also sold as the Yellow & Pink Lady and Pumpkin Snail, it belongs to the nerites, a group known for grazing on algae. Its care nevertheless requires stable, mineral-rich, well-oxygenated water. This strain is wild-collected and is clearly available exclusively from Ton.Fish in Canada. With intermediate availability, it is less common than the most widely traded nerite snails. A mature aquarium with natural biofilm is essential for long-term success.

General species description

Clithon sowerianum is a small gastropod in the family Neritidae, adapted to freshwater areas close to estuarine environments. It mainly grazes biofilm and algae from hard surfaces without damaging healthy plants. It is generally compatible with a peaceful community aquarium. The species prefers clean, hard, alkaline water and décor offering natural surfaces to explore. Like several nerites, its complete reproductive cycle requires particular conditions, and the larvae do not simply develop in freshwater aquaria. The shell commonly displays yellow, orange, pink, and brown tones, with patterns varying from one individual to another. This is an active but unobtrusive snail that may remain still for periods of time. Treatments containing copper should be avoided because they are harmful to invertebrates.

Geographic origin and biotope

Reference countries: The Philippines and other tropical island regions of the Indo-Pacific. Clithon sowerianum inhabits coastal streams, small rivers, and areas influenced by tides, where water is clear, well oxygenated, and relatively mineral-rich. The bottom is often made up of rocks, pebbles, wood, and coarse sediment, with low to moderate flow depending on the season and the position within the watercourse. Riparian vegetation provides shade and contributes to the accumulation of organic matter and biofilm. In an aquarium, good circulation and established surfaces reproduce its natural food supply better than a new, sterile setup. Because this species is wild-collected, gradual acclimation is especially important.

Precise locality and local name

Aquarium sources generally associate Clithon sowerianum with tropical Indo-Pacific islands, particularly the Philippines. A precise local name varies between regions and is not standardized in the international trade. The most common trade names are Yellow & Pink Lady and Pumpkin Snail. In English-speaking aquarium circles, it may also be described as a pumpkin nerite or yellow-and-pink nerite. These names describe the shell’s appearance rather than a distinct geographic population. Since the patterns can vary naturally, two individuals sold under the same name may show different bands, spots, or shades.

Appearance and physical characteristics

The shell of Clithon sowerianum is compact and rounded to ovoid, with a strong operculum that allows the snail to close when disturbed. Its coloration frequently combines yellow, orange, pink, and brown tones, sometimes with irregular markings. The foot is adapted for gripping glass and stones, including in gently moving water. Its small adult size suits planted aquariums and peaceful community tanks. Like other nerites, the shell requires a regular supply of minerals to limit erosion. Water that is too acidic or too soft may gradually damage the shell. Pattern and color intensity naturally vary between specimens.

General diet

Clithon sowerianum feeds mainly on natural biofilm, diatoms, and soft algae growing on glass, rocks, and wood. It is not a guaranteed solution for an algae outbreak and may lose condition in an aquarium that is too clean or lacks feeding surfaces. Supplementary wafers for invertebrates or algae-based foods may be offered in small amounts. Blanched vegetables can also be provided occasionally and removed before they decompose. A varied diet and adequate calcium support growth and shell quality. Avoid overfeeding and products containing copper.

Essential data

• River of origin: Coastal streams and island watercourses; no single river retained.
• Local name used: Yellow & Pink Lady; Pumpkin Snail.
• Origin of the scientific name: Clithon is a genus name associated with nerite snails; the specific epithet honors Sowerby.
• Etymology of the full name: Clithon is the genus name; sowerianum commemorates Sowerby.
• Common/vernacular names: Yellow & Pink Lady, Pumpkin Snail, pumpkin nerite.
• Family: Neritidae.
• Subfamily: Neritininae.
• Name pronunciation: kli-thon - soh-weh-ree-uh-num.
• Discovery: Louis Récluz, 1843.
• Maximum adult size: Approximately 2.5 cm.
• Water temperature and pH: 23 to 28 °C; pH 7.2 to 8.2.
• Watercourse appearance and surrounding vegetation: Clear, oxygen-rich water, rocky substrate, and shaded banks with tropical vegetation.
• Typical tankmates: Small peaceful fish, dwarf shrimp, other nerites, peaceful snails, and biofilm microfauna.
• Temperament and behavior: Peaceful grazer, active on surfaces; no predatory behavior.
• Water depth: Shallow streams and coastal areas.
• Sexual dimorphism: Little or none externally discernible.
• Bottom structure and flow: Rocks, pebbles, wood, and coarse sediment; low to moderate flow.
• Availability status: Wild-collected species offered exclusively by Ton.Fish in Canada; intermediate rarity.

In your aquarium

For success with Clithon sowerianum, use a mature, well-oxygenated aquarium with surfaces covered in biofilm. Maintain stable, alkaline, mineral-rich water and slowly acclimate wild-collected specimens. Avoid copper, sudden parameter changes, and excessive snail density. Supplemental feeding is useful when the aquarium lacks natural algae. This nerite is an excellent choice for a peaceful setup, provided it is not treated merely as an algae-eating tool. Its colorful shell and grazing behavior make it a distinctive addition, available exclusively from Ton.Fish in Canada.