Assassin Snails have gained popularity among owners of freshwater tanks due to their eye-catching black and brown striped shells. Not only do they bring a unique touch to your tank, but they also aid in keeping the tank clean by controlling the population of pest snails.
Caring for an Assassin Snail is relatively easy, but it’s important to understand their dietary needs, tank requirements, breeding behavior, and average lifespan in order to ensure a healthy, happy experience for your pet.
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Species Summary
Though other freshwater snails are typically chosen for their cleaning qualities, Assassin Snails are special in that they have a carnivorous appetite. That’s right – they feast on other snails, making them a great choice if you have any snails in your tank that you’d like to eliminate.
They’re native to Southeast Asia, where they gradually moved up in popularity and made their way into home aquariums. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance addition to your tank that can help keep other populations in check, then consider adding an Assassin Snail.
Lifespan
The typical lifespan of an Assassin Snail is between two and three years, though some enthusiasts report that their snails live for up to five years. Providing good care and appropriate diet can make a world of difference when it comes to the longevity of your snail, so it’s important to understand how to properly look after your Assassin Snail for best results.
Appearance
The signature characteristic of Assassin Snails is their distinctive shells with brown and yellow stripes – hence the nickname ‘Bumblebee Snail’. While solid brown shells can also occur, it’s less common.
These shells are conical in shape and have a blunt point at one end, which the snail uses to protect itself by retreating back inside. The body of the snail itself is light beige and dotted with black and brown markings, helping them to blend in better with the substrate.
Two short tentacles are located on the head, with eyes at the end capable of detecting light and movement. The snail has a muscular foot which contracts to help it navigate its environment, though Assassin Snails are typically slow and steady.
Size
The typical size of Assassin Snails in captivity is around one inch long, though they can reach up to two inches with the right diet and care. Don’t let their small stature fool you though – this species has weighty presence in any tank.
Assassin Snail Care
For the most part, Assassin Snails are quite easy to care for and thrive with minimal maintenance. To get the most out of your pet, it’s essential to provide good tank conditions and a nutritious diet. Here are a few important tips for caring for your pet:
Tank Size
A 10-gallon tank is the absolute minimum size requirement for Assassin Snails, but it’s best to go slightly larger if possible. If you plan to keep more than two snails, it’s recommended you add five more gallons per extra snail. Many owners opt for a tank up to 30 gallons so the snails have plenty of room to explore and don’t feel the need to escape.
Water Parameters
Assassin Snails are tropical creatures, used to living in slow moving rivers with soft sand and plenty of rocks. Rivers in Southeast Asia tend to be slightly alkaline, so they fair best in slightly alkaline water conditions.
The pH level should be between 6.5 and 8.0, while the temperature should stay around 78 degrees Fahrenheit. A good filtration system and partial water changes every week will help keep the tank’s parameters stable for optimal health.
Diet
In the wild, Assassin Snails feed on dead plant matter, worms, and other snails. In captivity, their diet should consist of a variety of vegetables, spirulina flakes, shrimp pellets, and live or frozen brine shrimp. They will also happily accept other frozen foods, as well as calcium rich treats like cuttlebone and coral fragments.
Breeding
Assassin Snails can breed in captivity and the process is fairly simple. The temperature should remain constant around 78 degrees Fahrenheit, and the substrate should be slightly wetter than usual. They look for a partner at night and will proceed to crawl over the larger snail, displaying their shells before mating.
The female snail will lay around 50 eggs which hatch in a few weeks. As long as they have enough food, Assassin Snail breeding should go smoothly.
Tank Mates
Assassin snails are a predatory species of freshwater snail that feed on other snails, particularly pest snails such as Malaysian trumpet snails and pond snails. As a result, it is important to be selective when choosing tank mates for assassin snails. Here are some examples of suitable tank mates:
- Dwarf shrimp: Assassin snails are unlikely to prey on dwarf shrimp, as they are too small and agile to be caught. Examples include cherry shrimp, crystal red shrimp, and Amano shrimp.
- Nerite snails: Nerite snails have hard shells that are difficult for assassin snails to crack open. They can coexist peacefully with assassin snails.
- Corydoras catfish: These peaceful bottom-dwellers are compatible with assassin snails and can help keep the aquarium clean.
- Otocinclus catfish: These small, algae-eating catfish are peaceful and will not harm assassin snails.
- Small schooling fish: Some species of small, peaceful fish may be compatible with assassin snails, as long as they are not too small to be eaten. Examples include neon tetras, ember tetras, and rasboras.
It is important to avoid keeping any snails in the same tank as assassin snails, as they are likely to be targeted as prey. Additionally, make sure that the tank is well-maintained and that the water parameters are appropriate for all the inhabitants of the tank.
Author Note: Assassin snails prefer water that is slightly alkaline and moderately hard, with a pH range of 7.0-8.0 and a water hardness of 5-12 dKH.
Habitat
When decorating your tank, keep the natural habitats of Assassin Snails in mind. They prefer soft sand or fine gravel as substrate, plenty of hiding spots, and a few rocks scattered around the tank. This will recreate the slow-moving rivers of Southeast Asia and give your snails enough space to explore without feeling too cramped.
Feeding
Feeding your Assassin Snail is easy and simple. A blanched vegetable like zucchini or lettuce, brine shrimp, and small pellets are all good foods to offer. They should also be given calcium supplements like cuttlebone to ensure balanced nutrition.
Feed your snail two to three times a week in small amounts; any leftovers can be removed after 4 to 5 hours to avoid clouding up the water.
Handling
It’s not recommended to handle Assassin Snails outside of their tank as this can upset their delicate skin. If you need to transfer them to a new aquarium, use a plastic container with air holes in the lid and fill it with some water from the old tank. This will help keep the snail moist and safe during transport.
Health Concerns
As with any pet, Assassin Snails can experience health issues if not provided with proper care.
The most common ailments include shell deformities, discoloration, and fungal infections. Poor water quality and substandard food are often the cause of these problems, so it’s important to maintain the tank parameters and keep them well fed.
Cleaning
Assassin Snails put in a great deal of effort to keep the tank clean. They will often be seen scouring the bottom of the tank for any uneaten food or decaying plant matter.
To give them an extra hand, use a siphon to vacuum the substrate every once in a while and remove any debris or algae.
Social Behavior
Assassin Snails are solitary creatures, though they don’t mind the company of others. When kept in pairs or small groups, they may be seen grazing side by side or even mating.
In larger groups, territorial disputes are possible, so it’s best to monitor their behavior and intervene if needed.
Tank Maintenance
A filter is essential for keeping an Assassin Snail healthy and happy. Regular partial water changes should be done to keep nitrate levels low, as these snails are quite sensitive to water pollution.
Algae can become a problem in tanks with poor husbandry, so check your filtration system regularly to ensure it’s running smoothly.
Activities
Assassin Snails are quite active and exploratory, which makes them interesting creatures to watch. While they’re not much of a swimmer, they’ll often be seen lumbering around the substrate and checking out any decorations or rocks in the tank.
It’s entertaining to observe how they search for food and interact with other animals in the tank.
Final Thoughts
Assassin Snails are fascinating pets with a surprising amount of personality. They’re quite low-maintenance and a great choice for beginner aquarists. With proper care and nutrition, these snails can lead a long and comfortable life in your tank – helping to keep the population of pest snails in check!