Assassin Snail (Clea helena)

The Tank’s Most Wanted: The Assassin Snail (Clea helena)

"Slow, Steady, and Highly Effective."

If your aquarium has been overrun by a lawless gang of pest snails, it’s time to call in the professional. The Assassin Snail doesn’t graze on algae and it doesn't hide in the shadows for nothing—it’s a specialized predator with one mission: population control.

Clad in a rugged, yellow-and-black striped "bumblebee" shell, this silent hunter patrols the substrate or buries itself in the sand, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. It is the ultimate biological solution for aquarists who want a clean, balanced tank without resorting to harsh chemicals.

Special Abilities (The Pro-File):

• Substrate Camouflage: These snails are expert burrowers. By spending time under the sand, they naturally aerate the substrate, preventing dangerous gas pockets from forming.
• The Tactical Siphon: You’ll often see a long, trunk-like tube extending from the shell. This is their "snorkel" and "radar," used to breathe while buried and to scent out their next target from a distance.
• Precision Hunting: Using a specialized radula, they can reach inside the shells of other snails, making them effective against even the most stubborn "hitchhiker" species.

Why Hire an Assassin?

• The Ultimate Hitman: Specifically targets "pest" snails like Bladder, Ramshorn, and Malaysian Trumpet snails.
• Plant-Friendly: Unlike some snails that treat your aquascape like a buffet, the Assassin is 100% safe for live plants.
• Controlled Breeding: Unlike the pests they hunt, Assassins lay eggs one at a time and do not overpopulate. You won't wake up to 1,000 Assassins.
• Scavenger Mode: When the "hits" run out, they are happy to scavenge on high-protein sinking pellets, fish flakes, or frozen bloodworms.

The Dossier (Technical Specifications):

• Scientific Name: Clea helena
• Temperament: Peaceful toward fish, shrimp, and large snails (like Mystery or Nerite snails, though caution is advised with very small ones).
• Max Size: 1 inch (2.5 cm).
• Lifespan: 2–3 years with proper care.
• Diet: Carnivorous. Primarily other snails; otherwise, high-protein sinking foods.
• Minimum Tank Size: 5–10 gallons.

Environmental Requirements:

• Water Temperature: 70°F – 80°F (21°C – 27°C).
• pH Level: 7.0 – 8.0 (They prefer slightly alkaline water to keep their shells thick and healthy).
• Water Hardness: Medium to Hard. Calcium is essential for shell growth.
• Substrate Preference: Sand or fine gravel is highly recommended so they can perform their natural burrowing behavior.

Recruit an Assassin Snail today and restore order to your underwater world.

Shipping & Acclimation Note:

Assassins are hardy travelers, but like all invertebrates, they are sensitive to copper and sudden changes in water chemistry. We recommend the "Drip Method" for acclimation to ensure your new agent hits the ground running.