Looking For Red Racer Nerite Snails...

I have decided that I need a snail to help control algae in my 6 gallon betta tank. As much as I clean the algae off, it’s hard to get into crevices on my rocks and some areas of the glass. I was looking at nerite snails since their eggs don’t hatch in freshwater, and I came across a red racer nerite snail. Unfortunately, everywhere I look, they seem to be sold out. I just need one or two. Anyone know where I can get these?

 

Aquatic arts should have them, might just have to wait till they restock and order it right away though.

 

Aquatic arts should have them, might just have to wait till they restock and order it right away though.

They were the first store to try. They’ve been out of stock for a while though or so it seems.

 

They were the first store to try. They’ve been out of stock for a while though or so it seems.

They typically sell out really fast, you kind of need to place an order as soon as they come in. If you’re not on the mailing list I’d suggest subscribing so you can see when they come in.

 

They typically sell out really fast, you kind of need to place an order as soon as they come in. If you’re not on the mailing list I’d suggest subscribing so you can see when they come in.

Thanks for the tip! I’ll do that right now. Have you ever ordered from them?

 

Thanks for the tip! I’ll do that right now. Have you ever ordered from them?

I haven’t, but a lot of the other members here have and they’re always given great reviews. Up there with Wetspot. They’re a really good business from my understanding and have a few rarities in their store. I believe you can also select the species you want and hit a button under their quantities to get an alert when it comes back. You can also message aquatic arts and see if they know when they’ll be coming back in stock.

 

I haven’t, but a lot of the other members here have and they’re always given great reviews. Up there with Wetspot. They’re a really good business from my understanding and have a few rarities in their store. I believe you can also select the species you want and hit a button under their quantities to get an alert when it comes back. You can also message aquatic arts and see if they know when they’ll be coming back in stock.

Wonderful idea. Thank you so very much for all of the help. I really appreciate it. If for some reason, it’s going to take a while with their stock, do you think I should get one horned nerite for now? I’m not too fond of the zebra... I want something that will have some color so it’s easy for me to spot in case he’s flipped upside down or inside of rocks (to make sure it’s ok). One of the big chain stores carries the horned version and I really need something to help control this unsightly algae and debris from sand. The only problem with these chain stores is that I don’t know of their snails need to be quarantined. I don’t want my new betta getting any parasitic infections or disease. I had ramshorns snails a long time ago (never again) but got them from a friend who bred them so I never quarantined those. The ones at big chain stores are usually housed with fish so I’m not sure how to go about introducing them to my one and only tank.

 

Wonderful idea. Thank you so very much for all of the help. I really appreciate it. If for some reason, it’s going to take a while with their stock, do you think I should get one horned nerite for now? I’m not too fond of the zebra... I want something that will have some color so it’s easy for me to spot in case he’s flipped upside down or inside of rocks (to make sure it’s ok). One of the big chain stores carries the horned version and I really need something to help control this unsightly algae and debris from sand. The only problem with these chain stores is that I don’t know of their snails need to be quarantined. I don’t want my new betta getting any parasitic infections or disease. I had ramshorns snails a long time ago (never again) but got them from a friend who bred them so I never quarantined those. The ones at big chain stores are usually housed with fish so I’m not sure how to go about introducing them to my one and only tank.

Of course! Glad I was able to be of some assistance.

You should be fine go get a nerite, but if you can I would QT it for a week. Snails typically don’t bring harmful things over to fish, but if there’s anything in the water that he was in and that same water is on him when he goes into the Bettas tank, there’s a possibility he may transfer it. That’s why it isn’t necessarily a bad idea to put him in a qt with regular water changes for at least a week to just kind of cycle any possible issues out.

But, you should be fine. If you decide not to QT you can always acclimate him to the tank and scoop some of the tanks water out and give him a little rinse off before actually putting him in the tank. Of course just don’t buy a sick looking snail or one from a tank with any dead fish or the like.

 

Of course! Glad I was able to be of some assistance.

You should be fine go get a nerite, but if you can I would QT it for a week. Snails typically don’t bring harmful things over to fish, but if there’s anything in the water that he was in and that same water is on him when he goes into the Bettas tank, there’s a possibility he may transfer it. That’s why it isn’t necessarily a bad idea to put him in a qt with regular water changes for at least a week to just kind of cycle any possible issues out.

But, you should be fine. If you decide not to QT you can always acclimate him to the tank and scoop some of the tanks water out and give him a little rinse off before actually putting him in the tank. Of course just don’t buy a sick looking snail or one from a tank with any dead fish or the like.

Sounds good! If I do quarantine, he’d have to go into a bucket with a heater as I only have one tank and don't have room for another tank to quarantine in (pathetic I know). However, when I went to the store yesterday to check them out, the employee said that they received the snails that same day so they weren’t in their tank for too long (6 hours at most). The employee also said that they get new shipments every Thursday afternoon so if I go the day new shipments arrive, do you think I’d still need to quarantine? It’s a dumb question but I’m trying to make it easier for myself with what I have on hand to work with. I rescued an odd looking betta plaket from the same place (I bought him at deathco aka petco). He has quite an underbite so I know he wasn’t bred properly. Poor guy was there for 3 days in his own poo until I picked him up (all other koi plakets I saw with him were sold except for him!) but he’s now thriving so I don’t want to do something to ruin it for him either. What would you do?

 

A bucket would be fine, you could also use a storage tubberware. I would still QT as the illnesses and such still typically come from the supplier.

If it were me, I’d QT for a bit just to try and flush out anything that potentionally tagged along with the snail. I’d probably grab a heater and a sponge filter or some aquarium plants(to help reduce any parameters the snail produces) and out those in a QT for a week or two and monitor the snail. Just to be safe.

But use your judgement on this as it’s your tank and fish. It’ll likely be fine, but I just prefer to be a bit precautious. I would suggest rinsing the snail off in dechlorinated water before putting him in the display if you decide not to QT though. That honestly may be enough, so it’s really up to what you think will be best in this situation.

 

Interesting fact, nerites live in tidal water in nature and are very good at drying out and still being fine.
I must have found mine on the floor 4-5 times looking a bit crispy.
It made me chuckle when I bought my last one and the girl in the store wouldn't let me have it until I promised that I was going straight home, because I new I could probably just stick it in my pocket dry for a couple of days and it'd still be ok.
Altho 'jumping' out or the tank isn't ideal,it does let me know when I'm not giving them enough food.

Unfortunately I'm on the UK so can't help with your supply issues

 

A bucket would be fine, you could also use a storage tubberware. I would still QT as the illnesses and such still typically come from the supplier.

If it were me, I’d QT for a bit just to try and flush out anything that potentionally tagged along with the snail. I’d probably grab a heater and a sponge filter or some aquarium plants(to help reduce any parameters the snail produces) and out those in a QT for a week or two and monitor the snail. Just to be safe.

But use your judgement on this as it’s your tank and fish. It’ll likely be fine, but I just prefer to be a bit precautious. I would suggest rinsing the snail off in dechlorinated water before putting him in the display if you decide not to QT though. That honestly may be enough, so it’s really up to what you think will be best in this situation.

You’re right. I can do a Tupperware too. I don’t have a sponge filter (I use a hob in my tank) and my plants are thriving in my tank so I’m not sure it will be ok to disturb them... ? However, do have a fresh pack of ammonia remover media (used in cases of emergency) and I can do daily water changes for weeks if I have to... I just don’t know how much to change as I’ve never quarantined anything before. I’ve always added livestock at the same time (this only being a betta from deathco and ramshorns that I got from a breeder friend who only housed snails and nothing else in their tank)

Another concern I’m having is that the new fert I’m using (NilocG Thrive c which is fantastic btw) contains a very small trace of soluble copper... so I’m really hesitant about it but I know I need something to help me keep this tank clean. And with my tank size, the only other thing I can keep with a betta that will help clean the tank is a snail. I haven’t come across anything else that will help considering the size of my tank... if you prefer some other livestock, I’d want to know!

Here is the content for the fert. Do you think this would be safe? I dose once a week and only dose a pump that is good for 5 gallons (my tank is 6 gallons). I change roughly about 33% (2 gallons) of water every Monday and add a pump of fert. I’m definitely being overly cautious but I can’t help it! I want things in my tank to thrive and not suffer. I appreciate all of your help.

 

A small amount of copper is necessary for them to survive. I use thrive c with inverts with no issues

 

You’re right. I can do a Tupperware too. I don’t have a sponge filter (I use a hob in my tank) and my plants are thriving in my tank so I’m not sure it will be ok to disturb them... ? However, do have a fresh pack of ammonia remover media (used in cases of emergency) and I can do daily water changes for weeks if I have to... I just don’t know how much to change as I’ve never quarantined anything before. I’ve always added livestock at the same time (this only being a betta from deathco and ramshorns that I got from a breeder friend who only housed snails and nothing else in their tank)

Another concern I’m having is that the new fert I’m using (NilocG Thrive c which is fantastic btw) contains a very small trace of soluble copper... so I’m really hesitant about it but I know I need something to help me keep this tank clean. And with my tank size, the only other thing I can keep with a betta that will help clean the tank is a snail. I haven’t come across anything else that will help considering the size of my tank... if you prefer some other livestock, I’d want to know!

Here is the content for the fert. Do you think this would be safe? I dose once a week and only dose a pump that is good for 5 gallons (my tank is 6 gallons). I change roughly about 33% (2 gallons) of water every Monday and add a pump of fert. I’m definitely being overly cautious but I can’t help it! I want things in my tank to thrive and not suffer. I appreciate all of your help.

View attachment 539698

I’d just keep an eye on the parameters for the first bit and see how quick it takes to get to where you need to do a water change. Since it’s just one snail you’ll likely not need to do daily water changes and the bigger container the snail stays the longer it’ll take for any parameters to get to that level as well.

You could probably make a little DIY filter with that filter media if you’ve got an air pump. You can even make your own sponge filte rod you’ve got a bit of filter sponge laying around.

As for the copper, I’m really not sure. Rtessy may be able to help you with this. If the copper level isn’t to high (hopefully Rtessy can clarify) then Yamato shrimp are great at removing algae. If your Betta will tolerate them.

Edit: oh looks like you’ve already gotten the answer to your question on copper!

 

Yep, nigloc thrive is shrimp safe, I've used it with amanos and they're fine. Ime, nerites are better than amanos at algae, or at least my algae

 

Yep, nigloc thrive is shrimp safe, I've used it with amanos and they're fine. Ime, nerites are better than amanos at algae, or at least my algae

Awesome! Thanks. I saw that NilocG has the shrimp version that doesn’t contain copper at all but I purchased the thrive C because I wasn’t even considering snails until now. I would exchange it to the shrimp version but my plants are doing extremely well that I’d hate to have to change it. I dose on Monday and by Tuesday morning I’ve got Anubias and java fern sprouting new leaves. Happens once a week at least! Never had that happen with other ferts so I want to continue using NilocG.

 

I’d just keep an eye on the parameters for the first bit and see how quick it takes to get to where you need to do a water change. Since it’s just one snail you’ll likely not need to do daily water changes and the bigger container the snail stays the longer it’ll take for any parameters to get to that level as well.

You could probably make a little DIY filter with that filter media if you’ve got an air pump. You can even make your own sponge filte rod you’ve got a bit of filter sponge laying around.

As for the copper, I’m really not sure. Rtessy may be able to help you with this. If the copper level isn’t to high (hopefully Rtessy can clarify) then Yamato shrimp are great at removing algae. If your Betta will tolerate them.

Edit: oh looks like you’ve already gotten the answer to your question on copper!

Sounds good thank you for the ideas. I’m going to see what I can do with what I have on hand. I also emailed aquatic arts and they let me know that they already quarantine their snails but to keep them quarantined for at least a couple of days when I get them in case their immune is suppressed from shipping. They’re also going to let me know when these snails will be available. They said it will take 4-5 weeks if their supplier sends them out on their next shipment! Fingers crossed!!! I’m the first in line for those bad boys lol

 

So good news is... they’re back in stock. Bad news is... it’s $20 for shipping! Hahaha I just can’t justify a $9 snail being shipped for $20! I can understand that it’s livestock and needs to be handled appropriately but seriously that’s just a bit too much for me especially since I can’t see what I’m actually getting until it’s in my hands. So, I’ll be getting a horned nerite from one of the big P chain stores come Monday. I’ve already set up a qt for it and I’m sure it will be happy in its 1.9 gal Tupperware for a couple of weeks (probably more since it’s from petsmart and I love my betta too much to make him ill with disease/parasites). Thanks for all of your help guys. Truly appreciate it!

 

I had been waiting for these to come in stock at Aquaticarts and when they did I immediately ordered one.. now I wish I ordered 2 The one that arrived has a beautiful shell but the body looks shriveled up upon arrival. I put it in my tank but it's not looking good at all. Maybe my case is a rare fluke because I have read good things about their company, but if this snail doesn't bounce back they are already out of red racers so it's not like they can even send me a replacement.

 

I had been waiting for these to come in stock at Aquaticarts and when they did I immediately ordered one.. now I wish I ordered 2 The one that arrived has a beautiful shell but the body looks shriveled up upon arrival. I put it in my tank but it's not looking good at all. Maybe my case is a rare fluke because I have read good things about their company, but if this snail doesn't bounce back they are already out of red racers so it's not like they can even send me a replacement.

I also was going to purchase two for that reason alone. However, I couldn’t bring myself to pay the same amount for shipping as two snails. $45 for only two snails it’s kind of ridiculous if you ask me. Apparently, they had the red racers in quarantine since last Friday and won’t have them again until their supplier ships them out again (per their email). Not only did I not purchase from them, the horned nerites I went to get from petsmart (hate that place) were all DEAD! I went to 4 different locations only to find empty shells in their stores. I guess these snails are also hard to come by.

 

I also was going to purchase two for that reason alone. However, I couldn’t bring myself to pay the same amount for shipping as two snails. $45 for only two snails it’s kind of ridiculous if you ask me. Apparently, they had the red racers in quarantine since last Friday and won’t have them again until their supplier ships them out again (per their email). Not only did I not purchase from them, the horned nerites I went to get from petsmart (hate that place) were all DEAD! I went to 4 different locations only to find empty shells in their stores. I guess these snails are also hard to come by.

It is definitely pricey, even more reason that I'm upset that mine is dead. Have you checked ebay or amazon for the horned nerites? Petsmart is hit and miss, I got my Tiger Nerite from there but I think I got lucky. I've had a hard time finding nice looking nerites in general.

 

It is definitely pricey, even more reason that I'm upset that mine is dead. Have you checked ebay or amazon for the horned nerites? Petsmart is hit and miss, I got my Tiger Nerite from there but I think I got lucky. I've had a hard time finding nice looking nerites in general.

I’m sorry your snail died. This is exactly why I hate purchasing blind. If I can’t physically see it in person, I hesitate to buy it. But, sometimes you just can’t find it anywhere and are pretty much forced to buy it online if you really want it. I’ve checked eBay and amazon and I just don’t trust it. I don’t know if their snails are healthy or not and wouldn’t want to take a gamble on getting dead snails. I will be calling every LFS around my area to see if they have any and will just go there to see it personally.

 

I love my red racer but I did have to buy online, fortunately I'd purchased lots from the same place before and I rang to ask for a nice looking one.
Unfortunately she's grown a yellow stripe in her shell from the change in perameters

 

Hey all! So I finally purchased a snail yesterday. Unfortunately all the horned nerites were dead so I ended up with a zebra. I have it in quarantine now as Platylover suggested. I purchased a 1.9 gallon number 5 (Polypropylene) plastic with a lid and created a bunch of holes on the lid for oxygen. Put in a small 8 watt betta heater and an air-stone with two decorations I haven’t used in years and some old gravel. The snail seems to be doing fine. Temp is approx 78 degrees. Gave the snail some zucchinI and he’s been nibbling on it here and there. But.... I may have a problem.

Yesterday after I set up the qt and put the snail in, my brother decided to take out my Anubias petite that is tied to rock as well as some other small rocks that are in my main betta tank and put it in the qt with the snail without my knowledge!!! I was gone all day for work and when I got home, he asked me to look at the main tank. I noticed that my Anubias petite was clean! I asked him how he cleaned it and he told me that the snail cleaned it! He put the Anubias and the rocks back into the main tank a couple of hours before I got home. He said that the Anubias and rocks were in the qt for approximately 20 hours before he put it back in the main tank. This was the entire time that I was gone and had him look after my betta and the snail while I was away (I think that was a big mistake on my part).

Now I’m noticing white/silver spotting on the plant. Something I have never seen before and it’s not on any other Anubias I have. I tried to remove it with my fingers by rubbing the leaves and it’s not coming off. If taken out of the water, you can’t see the spots but it’s clearly visible when submerged.

Can anyone tell me what it is?

Do I need to remove the rocks and the plant from my main tank that were previously in the qt tank with the snail?

Is my betta safe from disease/infection since the plant that went into qt is now in the main betta tank?

Help!!!! I’m kind of panicking because I love my betta just much as I love my dog (which is ALOT!!!)

 

Lol, take a deep breath! I don’t think they here is to much to be concerned over. Do keep an eye on the betta as somethings could be transmitted, but it should be ok.

The plant looks like it’s just got a lot of micro bubbles or is pearling to me. Do they come off and float when you touch it?

 

Lol, take a deep breath! I don’t think they here is to much to be concerned over. Do keep an eye on the betta as somethings could be transmitted, but it should be ok.

The plant looks like it’s just got a lot of micro bubbles or is pearling to me. Do they come off and float when you touch it?

No they aren’t coming off... I rubbed it vigorously too even slid my nail over the leaves and it’s not coming off at all. This is why I’m panicking! What if my brother gave my betta ich or something???

After I had the snail bagged up and paid for, my fiancé said that fish were fighting... when I looked, the fish that were “fighting” were actually picking at a dead fish in the tank. This is why I made sure to quarantine the snail for at least a month before I put it in with my betta. Now I’m panicking even more just thinking about it.

 

Look, I know this can be stressful, but being as calm as you can will help. That way you can think a little more clearly. It’s hard, I know. Trust me there’s been times I’ve freaked out when fish after fish has gotten sick or something else horrible has happened. It’s difficult to stay calm but that’s honestly the best thing you can do for you and your betta in this situation.

I do not believe ich will attach to plants like that, I’m not certain what it is as I’m not well versed in plants but maybe Vishaquatics (Koiman) , Mcasella, or Rtessy can help identify this.

It stinks, but what you’ll have to do for your betta is just wait and keep an eye for any symptoms that may appear. Try not to assume the worse, but it will not hurt to have some keneplex and parasite medication on hand just in case something does happen.

Again, if something happens it happens and you’ll be prepared for it. You did what you should have done and still are. I’m sure your brother never intended any of this either, but maybe have a little chat with him about why it was a very nice though but to not do that in the future. Family/friends are great when they take interest and support your hobby, but sometimes they really don’t know and have to learn a little just like we all did at first.

Another thing is that the dead fish could potentionally just be from shipping. Shipping is stressful on fish and with such large quantities deaths do happen, particularly if they recently got them in.

 

Can you take a clearer picture? Maybe a nerite egg.
Edit: do you mean those tiny white dots or that white thing attached to it?

 

White spots on Anubias are definitely not normal. I’d take it out ASAP and monitor your Betta closely

 

Look, I know this can be stressful, but being as calm as you can will help. That way you can think a little more clearly. It’s hard, I know. Trust me there’s been times I’ve freaked out when fish after fish has gotten sick or something else horrible has happened. It’s difficult to stay calm but that’s honestly the best thing you can do for you and your betta in this situation.

I do not believe ich will attach to plants like that, I’m not certain what it is as I’m not well versed in plants but maybe Vishaquatics (Koiman) , Mcasella, or Rtessy can help identify this.

It stinks, but what you’ll have to do for your betta is just wait and keep an eye for any symptoms that may appear. Try not to assume the worse, but it will not hurt to have some keneplex and parasite medication on hand just in case something does happen.

Again, if something happens it happens and you’ll be prepared for it. You did what you should have done and still are. I’m sure your brother never intended any of this either, but maybe have a little chat with him about why it was a very nice though but to not do that in the future. Family/friends are great when they take interest and support your hobby, but sometimes they really don’t know and have to learn a little just like we all did at first.

Another thing is that the dead fish could potentionally just be from shipping. Shipping is stressful on fish and with such large quantities deaths do happen, particularly if they recently got them in.

You’re right. I should stay calm. I added a teaspoon of dissolved aq salt in the 6 gallon betta tank (I did this more for my ease of mind than the fish and I know 1 teaspoon won’t do diddly squat unless I use it for the entire tank).

I’ll go ahead and order the kanaplex. Will general cure work too or should I be looking for another parasite medication?

I already spoke to him after I started this rant of mine on here lol he said sorry and is now closely monitoring the betta. He doesn’t care much for the snail lol. We’re all attached to this betta.

The dead fish had a cotton like wool growing on it and I know that they get their new shipments either on Wednesday or Thursday afternoon. Not sure how long the snail was in there for before I picked him up yesterday. I’m very worried now but I’ll do my best to stay calm. So far my betta is acting normal. However this just only happened a few hours ago so I don’t think it’s enough time to tell if anything is wrong.

 

Are we talking about the very teeny white dots on the leaves? If so those are pores in the leaf, not a parasite or anything harmful, if the leaf was covered before it makes sense why you'd only notice it now.
If it is not those dots could you possibly point out (in the picture) what you are talking about?

 

White spots on Anubias are definitely not normal. I’d take it out ASAP and monitor your Betta closely

It’s not exactly white. It’s more of a silvery hue when looking at it closely. It’s also on a brand new leaf that’s growing from the plant. When I take it out of the tank, there is nothing on the plant. It’s only visible when submerged. Should I still take it out and just throw it away? I don’t want to throw away the stone it’s on as it was pretty costly Ohko stone.

 

Can you take a clearer picture? Maybe a nerite egg.
Edit: do you mean those tiny white dots or that white thing attached to it?

Don’t think they’re eggs.

 

You’re right. I should stay calm. I added a teaspoon of dissolved aq salt in the 6 gallon betta tank (I did this more for my ease of mind than the fish and I know 1 teaspoon won’t do diddly squat unless I use it for the entire tank).

I’ll go ahead and order the kanaplex. Will general cure work too or should I be looking for another parasite medication?

I already spoke to him after I started this rant of mine on here lol he said sorry and is now closely monitoring the betta. He doesn’t care much for the snail lol. We’re all attached to this betta.

The dead fish had a cotton like wool growing on it and I know that they get their new shipments either on Wednesday or Thursday afternoon. Not sure how long the snail was in there for before I picked him up yesterday. I’m very worried now but I’ll do my best to stay calm. So far my betta is acting normal. However this just only happened a few hours ago so I don’t think it’s enough time to tell if anything is wrong.

Yes, general cure should work fine for most parasites! At least ich anyway.

Hopefully that growth was just from it being picked at/decomposing.

Please keep us updated!

 

Are we talking about the very teeny white dots on the leaves? If so those are pores in the leaf, not a parasite or anything harmful, if the leaf was covered before it makes sense why you'd only notice it now.
If it is not those dots could you possibly point out (in the picture) what you are talking about?

Yes it’s the tiny dots! Theres absolutely nothing visible when I took out the plant and inspected it under lighting (that I can see). It’s only when in water. I rubbed and rubbed and it didn’t come off.

 

Yes, general cure should work fine for most parasites! At least ich anyway.

Hopefully that growth was just from it being picked at/decomposing.

Please keep us updated!

Thank you for getting others tagged in this post. I appreciate it. I’ll go ahead and order both meds now just in case and keep you updated. Thank you so much.

 

I just took out the plant to take a photo of it out of water... as you can see there’s nothing. It’s only when it’s submerged. I never noticed it before even when I purchased it over a month ago. It was only after the snail was on it... for almost an entire day apparently. I’m just freaking out because the snail is in quarantine for a reason and I definitely don’t want my plants/rocks getting infested with something that my betta can now catch if it’s actually something to be concerned about.

What is worrying me even more is that my other Anubias doesn’t have those tiny spots and those plants are pretty clean.

 

Thank you for getting others tagged in this post. I appreciate it. I’ll go ahead and order both meds now just in case and keep you updated. Thank you so much.

Oh of course! Thankfully I’ve been around here a bit (probably a little to long lol) and there’s a few really great knowledgeable members here who have helped me out. So when I don’t know something I sometimes know who call who will either know themselves or know someone who does! I hope you and the other great members are able to figure out this anubis thing, it really is quite odd.

 

Yes it’s the tiny dots! Theres absolutely nothing visible when I took out the plant and inspected it under lighting (that I can see). It’s only when in water. I rubbed and rubbed and it didn’t come off.

View attachment 542881

This is one of my anubias nana petite, it displays the dots underwater in brighter lighting but not when it is darker over the leaf nor out of water.
These are leaf pores, how the plant breathes/expels waste.

 

It looks like it's part of the plant, like normal. Ich is more fuzzy dots that would be random and come off when you rub it. Not to mention it would be all over the fish before falling off like that. Now I'll have to look at my anubias more closely in the light, I haven't noticed that before lol.