Took longer than expected to arrive. Luckily the snails were alive. The plants look a little rough.
Plants were well packaged, came in really good condition, and are doing amazing in my snail/shrimp tank.
Description
The Assassin Snail (Clea helena) is a natural and plant-safe method for controlling unwanted snails in freshwater tanks. With its bold yellow-and-brown shell and calm nature, this hardy snail helps keep your aquarium clean and balanced while adding color and movement to your aquascape.
Key Points:
-
Natural Pest Control
- Hardy & Adaptable
- Plant and Fish safe
- Very Active
- Black and Yellow Shell Contrast
Native to Indonesia, the Assassin Snail (Clea helena) is a popular choice for aquarium owners who want a natural solution to control pest snails. Its cone-shaped shell with bright yellow and dark brown stripes makes it both valuable and eye-catching in any tank.
Instead of using harsh chemicals, Assassin Snails help control pest snail populations safely and naturally. They feed on nuisance snails, such as pond or ramshorn snails, keeping your aquarium clean without harming plants or fish.
These snails are peaceful, easy to care for, and suitable for beginners. They thrive in a variety of water conditions and make a great addition to community tanks with shrimp or small fish.
Every snail we send is health-checked, and responsibly sourced, backed by our Live Arrival Guarantee for your peace of mind.
Quick Facts
|
Parameter |
Ideal Range |
|
Tank Size (Minimum) |
5 gallons |
|
Temperature |
72–82°F |
|
pH |
7.2–8.0 |
|
GH |
6–8 |
|
KH |
2–12 |
|
Lifespan |
Up to 3 years |
|
Diet |
Pest snails, shrimp pellets, bloodworms, brine shrimp, detritus |
|
Compatibility |
Peaceful fish, bigger shrimp, and live plants |
How to Care
Slowly acclimate your Assassin Snails before adding them to the tank. Use fine gravel or sand as the substrate and avoid any products containing copper, which can harm snails. Feed them occasionally with frozen foods or pellets if pest snails are not available. Maintain a clean and stable water environment for optimal results.Behavior Profile
The Assassin Snail moves deliberately across the substrate, burrowing slightly as it hunts for food. Its alternating yellow and brown shell pattern stands out beautifully in planted aquariums.These snails are calm, curious, and active during feeding, offering both practical benefits and natural entertainment for aquarists.
Best For
-
Aquarists dealing with unwanted pest snails in planted or shrimp tanks.
-
Beginner to intermediate hobbyists looking for an easy, low-maintenance snail.
- Community tank owners who prefer a natural pest control method instead of chemicals.
FAQs
Are Assassin Snails safe for planted tanks?
Yes. They’re completely plant-safe and only feed on pest snails or leftover food, keeping aquariums balanced and healthy.
Can they live with shrimp or fish?
Absolutely. Assassin Snails are peaceful, non-aggressive, and perfectly compatible with bigger shrimp, tetras, guppies, and other calm freshwater species.
Do Assassin Snails reproduce quickly?
No. They reproduce slowly in freshwater, laying a few eggs occasionally, so they never overpopulate or crowd your aquarium.
What do they eat besides pest snails?
They eat protein-rich foods like shrimp pellets, bloodworms, or brine shrimp when pest snails are scarce in the aquarium.
How many should I keep in my tank?
One snail per 5–10 gallons is effective for pest control without overcrowding or affecting tank balance.
Do you guarantee live delivery?
Yes. All Assassin Snails are health-checked, and shipped with Aquatic Motiv’s reliable Live Arrival Guarantee.
It is possible that some snails have some shell defects from their wild encounters.
DO NOT USE COPPER IN AQUARIUMS CONTAINING SNAILS!