Assassin snail
Anentome helena · Nassariidae
Also known as Bumblebee snail
Beginner
Hunts and eats pest snails; the standard biological answer to a bladder snail plague.
In short: An assassin snail needs at least 40 L (11 US gal), water at 21–28 °C (70–82 °F) and pH 7–8. It is semi-aggressive, best kept in groups of 3 or more, and rated beginner to keep.
Updated
- Minimum tank
- 40 L (11 US gal)
- Temperature
- 21–28 °C (70–82 °F)
- pH
- 7–8
- Adult size
- 2 cm (0.8 in)
- Group size
- 3+
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 40 L (11 US gal)
- Temperature
- 21–28 °C (70–82 °F)
- pH
- 7–8
- Hardness
- 6–20 dGH
- Lifespan
- 2–3 years
- Diet
- Carnivore — pest snails, frozen bloodworm, sinking protein food.
- Care level
- Beginner
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Southeast Asia
- Water type
- Freshwater
- Biotope
- Sandy, slow-moving streams
- Natural conditions
- Sand to burrow in; hard water for shell health.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Minimum group
- 3 fish
- Swims
- Bottom
- Good tank mates
- Community fishCorydoras
- Avoid
- Ornamental snailsShrimp fryCopper medication
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Intermediate
- Sexing
- Not visually sexable.
- Notes
- Lays single square eggs; multiplies slowly.
- Common ailments
- Shell erosionStarvation once pest snails are gone
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