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Assassin snail (Anentome helena)
AI illustration, not an ID reference

Assassin snail

Anentome helena

InvertebratesFreshwater

Care level
Easy
Temperament
Semi-aggressive
Recommended tank
30 L
Maximum size
3 cm
Temperature
22–28 °C
pH
7–8
Diet
Carnivore

Care at a glance

The assassin snail is the biological answer to a snail plague: a yellow-and-brown striped snail that hunts down other snails, pulls them from their shells and eats them. Unlike chemical treatments it does not overshoot — once the food runs out, the population falls back on its own.

It is not quick; think months rather than weeks. It often burrows by day and works mainly at night. Important to know: it does not distinguish between pest snails and snails you bought on purpose, so nerites and mystery snails are at risk. It reproduces slowly and lays single eggs, so you do not end up with a second plague.

Good to know

  • Preys on shrimp and snails
  • Digger — needs fine sand

Best not combined with

Related species

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Values are mainstream hobbyist guidance, not gospel — always watch what your own animals need.