ick & nerite snails

**Delphe** · 09-29-2012, 05:49 PM

It might be stupid but can nerite snails get ick or carry it (like free ride kind of thing)?
Thanks.

**smaug** · 09-29-2012, 06:49 PM

I suppose the larvae or egg form could hitchhike on a snail,rock,plant,net or any other surface area.

**homemadepopcorn** · 09-29-2012, 08:04 PM

Originally Posted by smaug

I suppose the larvae or egg form could hitchhike on a snail,rock,plant,net or any other surface area.

I agree. But invertebrates do not normally transmit fish diseases.

**escamosa** · 09-29-2012, 09:37 PM

Snails can't be infected by ich, but they could spread it from one tank to another, providing the time frames are right for the parasite to survive. The parasite needs to find a host within around 48 - 55 hours. If there is no fish around within that time frame, then the parasite will die. This also depends on the water temperature. The life cycle that I've mentioned is worked out on water temperatures of around 79F - 80F and above. If the water is cooler then the life cycle can be a lot longer. So quarantining new snails can be just as important as a new fish.