Assassin Snail
Clea helena
Minimum Tank
10 Gallons
Adult Size
1 inches
Temperature
75-80°F (24-27°C)
pH Range
6.5-7.5
Lifespan
3 years
About Assassin Snail
The assassin snail is a small, predatory snail native to the freshwater streams and rivers of Southeast Asia, primarily Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. Its distinctive cone-shaped shell features alternating bands of chocolate brown and bright yellow, creating a striking appearance. As its name suggests, the assassin snail hunts and eats other snails, making it the most popular biological control method for pest snail infestations in aquariums. Using a tubular proboscis, it bores into the shells of its prey and consumes the contents. Assassin snails reproduce slowly compared to pest snail species, typically laying single eggs in hard-to-reach crevices, which means their populations remain manageable. They are an elegant, effective solution to snail overpopulation that avoids chemical treatments.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 10-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 75-80°F (24-27°C)
- • pH: 6.5 - 7.5
- • Category: Snail
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Carnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Assassin snails are the go-to solution for pest snail problems, effectively hunting and eliminating ramshorn, pond, and Malaysian trumpet snail overpopulations. Keep them at 75-80°F in neutral to slightly alkaline water with sand or fine gravel substrate, as they burrow and ambush prey. Once pest snails are eliminated, supplement their diet with frozen bloodworms, meaty sinking pellets, and protein-rich foods. They reproduce slowly, laying single eggs, so population explosions are not a concern. Assassin snails will not harm large snails like mystery snails or nerites. They are peaceful toward fish and shrimp. Avoid copper-based medications. A group of 3-5 assassins can control pest snails in a 20-gallon tank.
Quick Facts
38L
Min Tank (10gal)
3cm
Adult Size (1")
3yr
Lifespan
1+
Can Keep Solo
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Assassin Snail
Related Species You Might Like
Nerite Snail
Neritina sp.
Mystery Snail
Pomacea bridgesii
Ramshorn Snail
Planorbella duryi
Malaysian Trumpet Snail
Melanoides tuberculata
Rabbit Snail
Tylomelania sp.
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
Tank Mates for Assassin Snail
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Amano Shrimp
Caridina multidentata
easy · 10+ gal
Blue Velvet Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi var.
easy · 5+ gal
Clown Killifish
Epiplatys annulatus
moderate · 5+ gal
Chili Rasbora
Boraras brigittae
moderate · 5+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other easy-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Assassin Snail need?
A Assassin Snail needs a minimum tank size of 10 gallons (38 litres).
What water parameters does a Assassin Snail need?
Assassin Snail thrive in water between 75-80°F (24-27°C) with a pH of 6.5-7.5.
Are Assassin Snail easy to care for?
Assassin Snail are considered easy to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 3 years.
How big do Assassin Snail get and what do they eat?
Assassin Snail reach about 1 inch and are carnivores. Assassin snails are the go-to solution for pest snail problems, effectively hunting and eliminating ramshorn, pond, and Malaysian trumpet snail overpopulations. Keep them at 75-80°F in neutral to slightly alkaline water with sand or fine gravel substrate, as they burrow and ambush prey. Once pest snails are eliminated, supplement their diet with frozen bloodworms, meaty sinking pellets, and protein-rich foods. They reproduce slowly, laying single eggs, so population explosions are not a concern. Assassin snails will not harm large snails like mystery snails or nerites. They are peaceful toward fish and shrimp. Avoid copper-based medications. A group of 3-5 assassins can control pest snails in a 20-gallon tank.