Assassin Snail: The Pest Control Ninja of Your Aquarium

The Assassin Snail (Clea helena) is a small but mighty freshwater snail that earns its name through its efficient—and fascinating—predatory behavior. Known for their distinctive yellow and brown banded shells, these snails are best loved for one particular trait: they eat pest snails.

Whether you're battling a bladder snail outbreak or trying to keep a planted tank balanced, the Assassin Snail is a peaceful, low-maintenance ally that quietly gets the job done.

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A Snail That Eats Snails?

Yes, you read that right. Assassin Snails are carnivorous mollusks that feed on other snails. With a specialized proboscis, they burrow through the substrate and ambush unsuspecting prey, such as:

• Pond snails

• Bladder snails

• Ramshorn snails

• Malaysian trumpet snails

Their stealthy nature and methodical hunting habits make them one of the most natural ways to manage snail populations—without chemicals or traps.

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Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Clea helena

• Common Name: Assassin Snail

• Adult Size: 0.75–1.25 inches

• Lifespan: 2–3 years

• Temperament: Peaceful toward fish and shrimp; predatory to snails

• Tank Level: Bottom-dweller

• Origin: Southeast Asia

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Ideal Aquarium Conditions

Assassin Snails are easy to care for and adapt well to a variety of aquariums, especially planted and community tanks.

Tank Size: 5 gallons or larger
Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel (ideal for burrowing)
Temperature: 72–82°F
pH: 6.5–8.0
Hardness: Moderate to hard (needed for healthy shell growth)

They prefer tanks with stable conditions and clean water. Good filtration and occasional calcium supplementation help support their health.

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Diet

While their favorite meal is live pest snails, Assassin Snails will accept other meaty foods when snails are scarce.

What to Feed:

• Pest snails

• Sinking carnivore pellets

• Bloodworms (frozen or live)

• Fish flakes (occasionally)

• Leftover fish food or dead tank mates (scavenged)

They are slow eaters and won't overpopulate—they reproduce slowly compared to other snails.

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Tankmates and Compatibility

Assassin Snails are completely peaceful toward fish and shrimp, making them perfect for community aquariums. However, they may go after ornamental snails like:

• Nerite Snails

• Mystery Snails

• Rabbit Snails

If you're keeping decorative snail species, avoid mixing them with Assassins—or ensure they’re in separate tanks.

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Breeding

Unlike many pest snails, Assassin Snails are not hermaphroditic. They require both a male and female to reproduce, and lay single eggs on hard surfaces. Reproduction is slow and manageable, which makes them safe for planted aquariums without the fear of overpopulation.

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Why Add Assassin Snails to Your Tank?

✅ Natural pest snail control
✅ Completely peaceful to fish and shrimp
✅ Easy to care for
✅ Fascinating hunting behavior
✅ Attractive striped shell

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Final Thoughts

The Assassin Snail is one of the most useful and underrated cleanup crew members in the aquarium hobby. Their ability to control pest snail populations without disturbing other tankmates makes them a smart and stylish addition to almost any freshwater tank.

If you're tired of seeing pest snails overrunning your aquarium—let the Assassin Snail handle it, one silent strike at a time.