Assassin snails are freshwater snails that feed on other snails, worms, and carrion. They have few natural predators, but some fish, crayfish, and turtles may prey on them.
Assassin snails (Clea helena or Anentome helena) are a popular choice for aquarium hobbyists who want to control the population of pest snails in their tanks. These snails have a distinctive conical shell with brown and yellow stripes, giving them the nickname “bumblebee snails”. They are native to Southeast Asia, where they inhabit streams and ponds with sandy or muddy substrates.
Assassin snails are carnivorous and have a specialized radula (a tongue-like organ) that can drill holes in the shells of other snails. They also have a long proboscis (a tube-like mouthpart) that they use to inject digestive enzymes and suck out the soft tissues of their prey. They can feed on a variety of snails, including trumpet snails, ramshorn snails, pond snails, and bladder snails. They can also eat worms, such as bloodworms and tubifex worms, and scavenge on dead fish and shrimp.
Assassin snails are beneficial for several reasons. First, they can help reduce the number of unwanted snails in your tank, which may otherwise overpopulate and compete with your plants and fish for food and space. Second, they can add some diversity and interest to your tank, as they are active and curious creatures that explore their surroundings and hunt for food. Third, they are easy to care for, as they can adapt to a wide range of water parameters and temperatures, and do not require any special food or equipment.
What Are the Drawbacks of Keeping Assassin Snails?
Assassin snails are not without their drawbacks, however. First, they may not be able to completely eliminate the pest snails in your tank, as they are slow-moving and may miss some of the smaller or faster snails. Second, they may pose a threat to your other snails, especially if they are of similar size or shape. If you have snails that you want to keep, such as nerite snails, mystery snails, or rabbit snails, you may want to avoid keeping assassin snails with them. Third, they may reproduce in your tank, as they are hermaphrodites that can fertilize each other. While they are not as prolific as some other snails, they can still produce offspring that may become a nuisance or a burden to your tank.
What Eats Assassin Snails in the Wild?
Assassin snails have few natural predators, as their shells are thick and hard, and their operculum (a trapdoor-like structure) can seal them off from the outside world. However, some animals may be able to crack their shells or pry them open, such as:
Some fish, such as loaches, cichlids, pufferfish, and catfish. These fish may use their teeth, jaws, or spines to break the shells of the snails, or suck them out of their shells.
Some crayfish, such as red claw crayfish, electric blue crayfish, and dwarf crayfish. These crustaceans may use their claws to crush the shells of the snails, or pull them out of their shells.
Some turtles, such as red-eared sliders, painted turtles, and musk turtles. These reptiles may use their beaks to bite the shells of the snails, or swallow them whole.
In the aquarium, assassin snails may face the same predators as in the wild, depending on what other animals you keep in your tank. Therefore, you should be careful when choosing tank mates for your assassin snails, and avoid those that may harm them. Some examples of fish, crayfish, and turtles that may eat assassin snails are:
Loaches, such as clown loaches, yoyo loaches, kuhli loaches, and zebra loaches. These fish are notorious for eating snails of all kinds, and may hunt down your assassin snails.
Cichlids, such as angelfish, discus, oscar, and jack dempsey. These fish are aggressive and territorial, and may attack your assassin snails or eat them as a snack.
Pufferfish, such as green spotted puffer, figure 8 puffer, and dwarf puffer. These fish have sharp teeth that can easily crack the shells of snails, and may consider your assassin snails as a delicacy.
Catfish, such as pictus catfish, striped raphael catfish, and banjo catfish. These fish are bottom-dwellers that may scavenge on your assassin snails or suck them out of their shells.
Crayfish, such as red claw crayfish, electric blue crayfish, and dwarf crayfish. These crustaceans are omnivorous and opportunistic, and may prey on your assassin snails or scavenge on their remains.
Turtles, such as red-eared sliders, painted turtles, and musk turtles. These reptiles are omnivorous and voracious, and may eat your assassin snails as part of their diet.
How to Protect Your Assassin Snails from Predators?
If you want to keep your assassin snails safe from predators, there are some steps you can take to protect them. Here are some tips:
Choose compatible tank mates. Avoid keeping fish, crayfish, or turtles that may eat your assassin snails, and opt for peaceful and gentle species instead. Some examples of good tank mates for assassin snails are tetras, rasboras, danios, guppies, platies, mollies, swordtails, corydoras, otocinclus, shrimp, and snails that are too large or too different for them to eat.
Provide enough hiding places. Provide your assassin snails with plenty of rocks, driftwood, plants, and decorations that they can use to hide from predators or retreat into their shells. This will also make them feel more secure and comfortable in your tank.
Feed your predators well. Make sure your fish, crayfish, or turtles are well-fed and satisfied, so they do not see your assassin snails as a source of food. Offer them a varied and balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs, and avoid overfeeding them or leaving excess food in the tank.
Monitor your tank regularly. Keep an eye on your tank and observe the behavior of your animals. If you notice any signs of aggression, stress, or injury, take action immediately and separate the offenders or the victims. Also, check for any dead or dying snails, and remove them promptly to prevent disease or scavenging.
Assassin snails are fascinating and useful snails that can help you control the pest snails in your tank. However, they also have their own predators, both in the wild and in the aquarium. Therefore, you should be aware of what eats assassin snails, and how to protect them from harm. By choosing compatible tank mates, providing enough hiding places, feeding your predators well, and monitoring your tank regularly, you can ensure the safety and well-being of your assassin snails.
