Care specifications
| Type | Snail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Max size | 1 in |
| Lifespan | 2–3 years |
| Temperature | 70–82 °F |
| pH | 7–8 |
| General hardness | 8–15 dGH |
| Calcium needs | Medium |
| Minimum tank size | 10 gallons |
| Diet | Live snails, Bloodworms, Brine shrimp, Carrion, Protein-rich sinking foods |
| Roles | Pest control, Scavenger |
| Plant safe | Yes |
| Betta compatible | Yes |
| Breeds in freshwater | Yes |
| Population growth | Slow |
| Temperament | Predatory |
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Frequently asked questions
Will assassin snails eat my shrimp?
Healthy adult shrimp are far too fast — an assassin has no realistic chance of catching one. They will eat shrimp that are already dead or dying, and there are occasional reports of them taking newly molted or very small shrimplets, so in a high-value breeding colony use them with that caveat.
Will assassin snails overrun my tank like the pests they eat?
No. They lay single eggs rather than clutches, the eggs take over a month to hatch, and juveniles spend months buried in the substrate. A population grows slowly enough that most keepers wish they had more, not fewer.
What do I feed assassin snails after the pest snails are gone?
Frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and protein-rich sinking pellets all work — drop food near where they bury themselves at dusk. They are carnivores and will slowly starve in a clean tank with no snails and no meaty food, so plan for feeding once the buffet runs out.
Assassin Snail appears in
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