"Introducing the Assassin Snail for aquariums! A natural solution for controlling pest snails while adding intrigue to your tank."

Detailed Description:

Overview:

• The Assassin Snail (Clea helena) is a fascinating freshwater snail prized by aquarists for its ability to control pest snail populations.
• Originating from Southeast Asia, these snails are renowned for their striking appearance and efficient predatory behavior.

Appearance:

• Assassin Snails feature a cone-shaped shell with yellow and brown bands spiraling around it, resembling a miniature version of a marine cone snail.
• Their elongated body is adorned with sensory tentacles and a siphon used for detecting prey and navigating their environment.
• Adult Assassin Snails typically reach a size of 1 to 2 inches, making them suitable for aquariums of various sizes.

Water Conditions:

• Optimal water temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C).
• pH range: 7.0-8.0.
• Water hardness: 5-15 dGH.
• Maintain stable water parameters to ensure the health and well-being of Assassin Snails.
• Provide adequate filtration and regular water changes to keep water quality high.

Tank Setup:

• Assassin Snails thrive in well-established aquariums with ample hiding places and substrate for burrowing.
• A tank size of at least 10 gallons is recommended for a small group of Assassin Snails.
• Incorporate live plants such as Java Moss, Anubias, and Vallisneria to provide cover and create a natural environment.
• Ensure the tank has a secure lid as Assassin Snails may climb out of the water.

Tank Mates:

• Assassin Snails are generally peaceful and can coexist with a variety of tank mates, including peaceful fish, shrimp, and other snail species.
• Compatible tank mates include Tetras, Rasboras, Corydoras Catfish, Dwarf Cichlids, and peaceful freshwater shrimp species.
• Avoid keeping them with aggressive or predatory species that may harass or prey on the Assassin Snails.

Feeding Habit:

• As carnivorous predators, Assassin Snails primarily feed on other snails, including pest species such as Malaysian Trumpet Snails and Ramshorn Snails.
• They use their proboscis to pierce the shells of their prey and consume them from the inside out.
• If pest snails are not available, Assassin Snails can be supplemented with sinking pellets, algae wafers, and small meaty foods such as bloodworms or brine shrimp.
• Feed Assassin Snails sparingly, as they have a slow metabolism and may not require frequent feedings.

Care and Maintenance:

• Maintain a clean aquarium environment by removing uneaten food, debris, and excess waste.
• Perform regular water changes of 25% every two weeks to prevent the accumulation of toxins and maintain water quality.
• Monitor Assassin Snails for signs of illness or stress, such as reduced activity, shell damage, or abnormal behavior, and address any issues promptly.
• Provide calcium supplements such as cuttlebone or calcium-rich foods to support shell growth and maintenance.

Breeding:

• Assassin Snails are gonochoristic, meaning they have separate sexes, with males and females needed for reproduction.
• Breeding may occur in aquariums with suitable conditions, but it is less common compared to their predatory behavior.
• Females typically lay small, jelly-like egg masses on hard surfaces such as rocks or aquarium glass.
• After a gestation period of several weeks, juvenile Assassin Snails hatch from the eggs and resemble miniature adults.