Un peu plus d'informations...

Neritina pulligera, also sold under the names White Military Snail and Beluga, is a neritid snail valued for its pale shell and peaceful behavior. This amphidromous species is associated with areas where fresh water meets coastal habitats, then moves across hard surfaces while grazing on algae and biofilm. In an aquarium, it contributes to the natural cleaning of glass and décor, although it is not a complete solution for every type of algae. The specimens offered in the aquarium trade are wild-collected, so careful acclimation and stable water are essential. With a rarity rating of 2 out of 3, it remains available, but is less common than some other nerite snails.

General species description

Neritina pulligera is an aquatic gastropod in the family Neritidae. Like other nerites, it has a strong shell, an operculum that closes the opening, and a radula adapted for grazing on surfaces. Its lifestyle is mainly associated with rocks, wood, and other hard supports where microscopic algae develop. The species can live in freshwater aquariums, but its natural life cycle includes areas influenced by brackish water and larval stages that normally do not develop in a freshwater aquarium. It is generally peaceful and is most active on surfaces covered with light or biofilm. It does not attack healthy plants and suits peaceful community aquariums. Its main value is as a biofilm grazer, with a low biological impact and good compatibility with peaceful invertebrates. However, it should be kept in a mature aquarium with naturally available food resources.

Geographic origin and biotope

Reference countries: Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Australia, and several Indo-Pacific islands. Neritina pulligera is associated with coastal streams, island creeks, and estuarine areas throughout the Indo-Pacific region. It usually lives on rocks, submerged wood, and other firm surfaces in well-oxygenated water that is often moderately mineralized. These habitats may experience tides or changes in salinity, which explains the species’ amphidromous life history. In aquariums, it is generally kept in freshwater, but water that is too soft and lacking minerals may weaken the shell and operculum. A layout offering several surfaces colonized by biofilm is preferable to a new, sterile aquarium. Lighting may be moderate to strong as long as it supports natural algae growth. Water changes should be regular, and temperature should remain stable.

Precise location and local name

In the wild, Neritina pulligera occurs in coastal streams and estuaries of the Indo-Pacific, especially on hard surfaces exposed to regular water movement. Its range covers a broad island and coastal region rather than a single river basin. The names White Military Snail and Beluga are primarily commercial aquarium names used for some pale-shelled forms. They do not replace the scientific name and may be applied to individuals with slightly different coloration. The shell may show cream, pale gray, or dark brown tones depending on the form and growth condition. For aquarists, practical identification is based mainly on shell shape, the presence of an operculum, and grazing behavior rather than on the commercial name alone. These specimens are wild-collected and should be acclimated slowly to reduce osmotic stress.

Appearance and physical characteristics

Neritina pulligera has a compact, rounded to oval shell with a relatively low spire and an opening fitted with an operculum. The form sold as Beluga or White Military Snail often has a white to cream shell, sometimes with darker markings or an irregular pattern. Color may change with wear, mineral deposits, and growth. The muscular foot allows the snail to hold firmly to glass, rocks, and wood. As with other nerites, movement is slow, but its grip is effective even in moderate current. Adult size is generally around 3 cm, with individual variation. The species does not have especially long tentacles or conspicuous grasping appendages like some other gastropods. An eroded, bleached, or perforated shell may indicate insufficient minerals, low pH, or poor general conditions.

General diet

Neritina pulligera is mainly an algae and biofilm grazer. Its radula scrapes thin films of algae, bacteria, and organic matter from glass, rocks, roots, and sturdy leaves. It does not efficiently consume thick filamentous algae or heavy deposits left without maintenance. In a mature aquarium, it may find part of its food naturally, but a tank that is too clean or too new can quickly lack sufficient resources. Its diet can be supplemented with algae-based invertebrate wafers, vegetable foods, or blanched vegetables, which should be removed before they decay. Overfeeding should be avoided because uneaten food harms water quality. Calcium and dissolved minerals support shell growth. Regular feeding, colonized surfaces, and stable water are therefore more useful than adding a large amount of food occasionally.

Essential data

• Native river name:
• Local name used: White Military Snail; Beluga
• Origin of the scientific name: Neritina is a genus name derived from Nerita; pulligera is the specific epithet.
• Etymology of the full name: Neritina refers to the genus Nerita; pulligera is formed from Latin elements associated with pullus and gerere.
• Common/vernacular names: White Military Snail; Beluga
• Family: Neritidae
• Subfamily: Neritinae
• Name pronunciation: neh-ree-TEE-nah - poo-LI-jeh-rah
• Discovery: Carl Linnaeus, 1767
• Maximum adult size: About 3 cm
• Water temperature and pH: 22 to 28 °C; pH 7.0 to 8.5
• Stream appearance and surrounding vegetation: Coastal creeks and estuarine areas with rocky and woody substrates; tropical vegetation along the banks
• Typical tankmates: Small Stiphodon, Sicyopus, and Lentipes gobies; peaceful freshwater shrimp; other nerite snails
• Temperament and behavior: Peaceful and discreet, mainly active on hard surfaces; grazes on biofilm
• Water depth: Shallow to moderate, especially near banks and on surfaces exposed to current
• Sexual dimorphism: Not obvious to the naked eye
• Bottom structure and flow: Rocks, wood, and gravel; moderate to strong flow with well-oxygenated water

In your aquarium

To keep Neritina pulligera successfully, use a mature aquarium containing rocks, wood, and surfaces already covered with biofilm. Neutral to alkaline, mineral-rich, well-oxygenated water helps preserve the shell. Avoid copper-based medications, sudden parameter changes, and tankmates that may flip or harass the snail. Because it is wild-collected, slow acclimation is especially important. Also monitor feeding: an aquarium without natural algae may require vegetable wafers. With stable conditions, reasonable current, and nourishing surfaces, this nerite becomes a peaceful and interesting addition to a community aquarium.