Assassin Snail (Anentome helena)
Description
The Assassin Snail (Anentome helena) is a fascinating and effective natural pest controller for freshwater aquariums. Known for its distinctive appearance with a spiral shell and a predatory diet, the Assassin Snail is a highly sought-after species for aquarists dealing with overpopulation of pest snails. Native to Southeast Asia, this snail not only helps keep unwanted snails in check but also adds an interesting and unique aspect to your aquarium. With its active hunting behavior and striking appearance, it makes for an engaging and functional addition to any tank.
Key Features
- Scientific Name: Anentome helena
- Common Name: Assassin Snail
- Size: Up to 1.5 inches (4 cm)
- Temperament: Peaceful, but predatory towards smaller snails
- Lifespan: 1-2 years with proper care
- Diet: Carnivorous – feeds primarily on other snails, including pest snails like the Malaysian Trumpet Snail or Pond Snail. It will also accept meat-based foods like bloodworms or fish flakes if no pest snails are available.
- Shell Color: Typically brown with lighter bands, giving it a distinctive appearance
Tank Requirements
- Tank Size: Minimum 5 gallons
- Water Temperature: 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C)
- pH Range: 6.0 to 7.5
- Water Hardness: 5-12 dGH
- Substrate: Soft sand or fine gravel, as they prefer to move along the bottom of the tank.
- Tank Setup: Planted or well-decorated tanks with plenty of hiding spots such as rocks, driftwood, or caves. Assassin Snails prefer to hide during the day and become more active at night when hunting.
Care Tips
- Assassin Snails do best in tanks with a population of pest snails to feed on. If pest snails are not available, you may need to supplement their diet with sinking pellets or frozen foods.
- They are relatively low-maintenance, requiring no special tank conditions beyond regular water changes and clean filtration.
- Because they are carnivorous, Assassin Snails are often used in aquariums with pest snail problems, but they will not harm fish or invertebrates that are not snails.
- While they are generally peaceful, they are highly effective hunters and will actively search for and consume other snails.
Compatibility
Assassin Snails are peaceful and will not harm fish or plants, but they are predatory towards other snails. They do well in community tanks with species such as:
- Peaceful small fish (e.g., Tetras, Guppies, Rasboras)
- Corydoras Catfish
- Shrimp (e.g., Cherry Shrimp, Amano Shrimp)
- Other non-snail invertebrates
Note: Avoid keeping Assassin Snails with small or delicate snails, as they may become prey.
Why Choose Assassin Snails?
The Assassin Snail is a fantastic natural pest control solution for aquarists dealing with an overgrowth of unwanted snails. Their striking appearance, efficient hunting habits, and peaceful nature make them a great addition to a well-balanced community aquarium. Beyond their role in controlling pest snails, they also provide interesting behavior and can add a bit of intrigue to your tank.
A small group of them will help rid and control those annoying pest snails from your tank!
Max size: 1.25”
Minimum tank size: 5 gallons/snail
**USPS Priority shipping can be used for this snail.**
