Assassin Snail: Many individuals wish to buy Assassin Snails, a popular freshwater animal. Their attractive patterns and low-maintenance nature make them an excellent addition to a variety of tanks!
They’re also excellent at getting rid of any nuisance snails that may be infesting your tank. All you have to do is simply place a few Assassin Snails in your aquarium to address the problem.
The Assassin Snail (Clea helena or Anentome helena) is an unusual freshwater snail. While most snail species are used solely to keep environments clean, these animals have a unique claim to fame. They are carnivores that eat other snails!
As a result, they’re frequently introduced into aquariums infested with pest snails. Even a tiny group of Assassin Snails can wipe out a vast colony of lesser species in a matter of weeks.
Assassin Snails, which were once distributed throughout Southeast Asia, have grown in popularity among aquarists. They are not only useful in fish tanks, but they are also incredibly easy to care for.
The usual lifespan of an Assassin Snail is between 2 and 3 years. While this is usual, some aficionados have observed that these gastropods can live for up to 5 years!
Tank conditions and diet have a significant impact on their general health and lifetime. These snails have a specific diet that must be followed. Otherwise, kids may not even reach the 2-year mark.
I. Size
- Average Adult Size: 3/4 of an inch long
- Maximum Adult Size: 3/4 of an inch long / 3 inches upwards
- Swimming Level: Bottom
II. You would love the fish because…
Whether you intend to use an Assassin Snail to control the snail population or not, they are a sight to behold.
Unlike other snails with dull shells, this species has some color. The shells are striped in brown and yellow. This has earned him the moniker “Bumblebee Snail.”
An Assassin Snail’s shell pattern
Some snails have complete brown shells, however, they are uncommon in comparison to the stripe pattern.
The shell itself has some interesting characteristics. It has a conical shape with a blunt point on one end.
When threatened, the snail will retreat within its shell for protection. The intriguing aspect of this behavior is that the snail is perfectly capable of avoiding most small predators. This is due to the operculum. It’s essentially a trap door that permits the snail to confine itself inside its shell.
The Assassin Snail has an extremely powerful foot for getting about the tank. It constricts to assist the creature in navigating its environment. Of course, the snail moves slowly and steadily. The snail is frequently found clinging to the glass or crawling up rocks.
The snail’s body turns a light beige color. It has brown and black spots on it, which assist the snail blend in with the substrate.
Two small tentacles can be found on its head. The eyes are situated on the ends of the snail to assist it in detecting light and motion.
III. Is this fish species peaceful or hostile?
- Recommended: 1 or 2 in 19L Tank / 10 and more in 151L T
- Overall Aggressiveness: Peaceful
- Aggressiveness Own Species: Peaceful
- Aggressiveness Other Species: Peaceful
IV. Species compatibility
- Cory catfish
- Freshwater clams
- Cherry barbs
- Danios
- Guppies
- Tetras
- Certain species of shrimp (like bamboo shrimps and ghost shrimps)
V. How to feed this species?
Assassin Snails are carnivorous and exclusively consume protein-based foods. Their preferred diet is other snails that are smaller than them.
They’re also not choosy but will assault any snail they come across. Trumpet Snails, Rabbit Snails, Ivory Snails, and Ramshorn Snails are commonly fed to them by their owners. Assassin Snails will eat the eggs of other snail species as well.
If neither of these is available, shrimp fried and bloodworms will suffice. Your snail may be feasting on brine shrimp or flakes that have fallen to the bottom of the aquarium.
Recommended food:
- Wardley Shrimp Pellets
- Hikari Sinking Wafers
Word for the wise