Assassin Snail

Looks how to spot one

Tall, cone-shaped spiral shell with an operculum

A pointed, tightly coiled shell striped like a bumblebee in yellow and dark brown bands. The snail has a long proboscis it can stretch well forward, and a lid (operculum) to close the shell opening.12

Personality what they are like

A calm, slow-moving snail that leaves fish and shrimp alone. It often rests half-buried in the sand and becomes lively as soon as food is around, hunting other snails and scavenging leftovers.13

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Spends a good part of the day buried in soft substrate and is more active when food appears; a sandy or fine gravel bottom suits its digging habit.13

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Rated a moderate-care snail. Keep water clean and stable within its preferred range; because it eats other snails, do not house it with snails you want to keep.3

Home where they are happiest

Freshwater aquarium with sand or fine substrate. LiveAquaria suggests 20-23 C (68-74 F), pH 6.5-7.5, carbonate hardness 2-15 dKH, a tank of 30 US gallons or more, and around 5 snails per 15 gallons for snail control.31

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A carnivore and scavenger: eats other small snails, snail eggs, worms and carrion, and will also take sinking meaty foods and leftovers.1234

Company who they like around

Can be kept alone or in small groups. Sexes are separate, so a group is needed for breeding; females lay single eggs in small square capsules on hard surfaces, so numbers grow slowly.124

The story where it all began

Described by von dem Busch in 1847 from Southeast Asian fresh waters. It entered the ornamental aquarium trade as a natural way to keep fast-breeding pest snails, such as Malaysian trumpet snails, in check, and is now a common sight in planted tanks.12

Recognised by the official bits

Taxonomy (von dem Busch)

First described by von dem Busch in 1847; also listed in the genus Clea in some sources.1