Assassin Snails (Clea helena) Import

Assassin Snails (Clea helena)

The Assassin Snail is a fascinating and beneficial freshwater species known for its distinctive yellow-and-brown banded shell and its unique predatory behavior. Native to Southeast Asia, this snail is highly valued by aquarists for its ability to control pest snail populations in aquariums. Its small size, striking appearance, and utility in maintaining a balanced ecosystem make it a popular choice for both beginner and experienced hobbyists.

Natural Habitat

Assassin Snails are found in slow-moving rivers, streams, and ponds in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. These habitats are characterized by soft, sandy substrates and abundant plant life.

Aquarium Care

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 10 liters for a small group (3–5 snails).
• Water Temperature: 20–28°C.
• pH Range: 6.5–8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline water preferred).
• Water Hardness: 8–15 dGH (moderately hard water).
• Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel is ideal, as Assassin Snails like to burrow.

Aquascaping

• Plants: Hardy plants like Java Fern, Anubias, and Cryptocoryne provide shelter.
• Decor: Include driftwood and rocks for additional hiding spots.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting is sufficient for their needs.

Filtration

A gentle filtration system is recommended to maintain clean and oxygenated water. Avoid strong currents, as Assassin Snails prefer calm environments.

Feeding

Assassin Snails are carnivorous and predatory, primarily feeding on pest snails but also accepting other food sources:

• Diet:
  • Pest snails (e.g., bladder snails, ramshorn snails).
  • Protein-rich foods such as sinking pellets, fish flakes, frozen bloodworms, or shrimp pellets.
  • Scavenged detritus, leftover fish food, or deceased tank inhabitants.
• Feeding Frequency: They feed naturally in the tank but can be supplemented once a week if pest snails are scarce.

Behavior and Personality

• Activity: Assassin Snails are active mostly during the day but can also be observed at night.
• Social Behavior: They are peaceful with tank mates but actively hunt other snails.
• Movement: Slow-moving, often burrowing into the substrate and emerging to hunt or scavenge.

Tank Mates

Assassin Snails are compatible with a variety of tank mates:

• Safe Companions: Fish, shrimp, and other invertebrates (except other snails).
• Avoid: Large, aggressive fish that may prey on the snails or overly delicate species that may be stressed by their presence.

Breeding

Breeding Assassin Snails is relatively straightforward in the right conditions.

Reproductive Behavior

• Assassin Snails are dioecious, requiring both male and female snails for reproduction.
• They lay small, transparent eggs individually on hard surfaces such as plants, rocks, or driftwood.
• Eggs hatch in 3–6 weeks, depending on water temperature, and the juveniles burrow into the substrate until they grow larger.

Fry Care

• Juvenile snails are self-sufficient, scavenging for food in the substrate.
• No additional care is required beyond maintaining clean water and a stable environment.

Key Notes

• Snail Control: Assassin Snails are effective at reducing pest snail populations but may not completely eradicate them.
• Tank Balance: Avoid overfeeding to prevent pest snail outbreaks.
• Handling: Handle with care, as their shells can be fragile.

The Assassin Snail (Clea helena) is a valuable addition to aquariums, serving both as a functional pest controller and as an attractive inhabitant. Its low maintenance and utility make it an excellent choice for aquarists seeking a natural way to manage snail populations while enhancing their tank’s biodiversity.