Assassin Snails (Clea helena) They will obliterate unwanted pest snails and eliminate the need to use harsh, snail-killing chemicals in your aquarium

photo credit: Aquatic Arts

In the aquarium hobby, Assassin snails (Clea helena) are one of the most useful animals. Pest snails will be exterminated, and you won't have to use harsh chemicals to get rid of them. In addition to pond snails, they are also adept at dealing with populations of Malaysian trumpet snails, Ramshorn snails, and more!

One of our demonstrations of the Assassin Snail's prowess was the destruction of five "assassins" within a couple of weeks of taking over several 30 gallon tanks that were completely overrun with unwanted pest snails. They eat all other snails that are their size or smaller, but they will not harm snails that are larger than them (such as Mystery Snails, Giant Sulawesi Snails, and larger Nerite Snails). Assassin Snails have been known to form large groups and attack larger snails, so even with larger snails, caution should be exercised when keeping these. There is no need to worry about snails in an aquarium with fish, invertebrates or live plants because they won't bother them.

Assassin Snails are also attractive to look at, as an added bonus. It's because of their yellow and black/dark brown striping that they look great on both light and dark-colored surfaces. The ends of their spiral-shaped shells taper sharply to a point. A long Proboscis (similar to a nose) that they use to drag themselves around, as well as two eyes atop two long tentacles, make up their iridescent, almost translucent white bodies.

Adult Assassin Snails can grow up to 2 inches long, so we ship them as juveniles that measure between 1/2 and 1 inch. Assassin Snails prefer burrowing in sand, so providing them with a good substrate is critical. Because these snails have copper sensitivities like all other snails, we recommend that tap water be used to fill the tank.