Species care guide
Fish Care Guide
Use this guide to check the aquarium size, water conditions, behaviour, compatibility and feeding needs of this fish before bringing it home.
Live fish are Click & Collect only.
Order online and collect from Newlands Aquatics.
The Assassin Snail (Clea helena), also known as the Snail Eating Snail, is a unique and beneficial addition to freshwater aquariums, particularly for controlling unwanted snail populations. Native to Southeast Asia, this species is appreciated for its striking appearance and predatory habits against pest snails.
Origin:
Assassin Snails originate from freshwater bodies in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. They are found in slow-moving streams and ponds with sandy or muddy substrates.
Temperature:
The ideal temperature range for Assassin Snails is between 24°C and 28°C. They can tolerate a range of temperatures but thrive best in warmer, tropical conditions.
Water Quality:
These snails prefer a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5 and require moderately hard to hard water. Stable water parameters are crucial for their shell health.
Aquarium Size:
While Assassin Snails are not demanding in terms of space, it's important to provide them with an adequately sized aquarium, typically at least 40 liters, especially if they are kept in a community setting. A tank with a sandy substrate is preferable as they enjoy burrowing.
Feeding:
Assassin Snails are carnivorous and primarily feed on other snails. In the absence of pest snails, they will accept protein-rich foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, or sinking pellets formulated for carnivorous invertebrates.
Lifespan:
In a well-maintained aquarium, Assassin Snails can live for about 2 to 3 years.
Community Tank Compatibility:
They are generally safe to keep with most fish and shrimps, but due to their predatory nature, they should not be housed with other snail species unless intended as prey.
Breeding:
Breeding Assassin Snails can occur in home aquariums. They lay singular eggs in hidden locations, and the young snails emerge fully developed. Breeding is generally slow, making them less likely to overrun an aquarium like some other snail species.
Please note:
We don't ship live animals. You can order online and choose click and collect, and we will hold it for you.
