Photo any DOA in the sealed bag on the day of delivery. Approved claims are resolved with store credit, refund, or replacement at Razz Aquatics' discretion. See policy →
Quarantined livestock • Professionally packed • Insulated with weather protection
100+ AquariumsQuarantined Before ShippingFamily-Owned
Care Level
Easy
Temperature
75–80°F
pH Range
7.0–8.0
Min. Tank
5 gallons
Assassin SnailFrom $5.99
Species Profile
Assassin Snail
Anentome helena
Why We Love This Snail
24/7 algae control
Won't eat healthy plants
Shrimp-safe community tank
Fascinating to watch
Assassin Snails are predatory freshwater snails from Southeast Asia — the standard biological tool for handling pest snail infestations without resorting to chemicals or copper. They are striking visually, with a tan-and-dark-brown striped conical shell, and they reach about 1 inch in shell length at maturity.
Critical: Assassin Snails are not a community cleanup snail. They will hunt and eat pond snails, bladder snails, ramshorn snails, Malaysian trumpet snails, and they will predate smaller ornamental snails (Nerites, juvenile Mystery and Rabbit Snails) given the chance. They can also predate freshly-molted shrimp and shrimplets, which makes them a poor fit for active shrimp-breeding setups.
Care Notes
Assassin Snails are predatory. They are intended as a targeted control tool for pest snail outbreaks (pond snails, bladder snails, ramshorn) — not as community-tank algae cleaners. They will actively hunt and eat smaller and similarly-sized snails.
They burrow into fine substrate during the day and emerge to hunt. They need stable, alkaline water (pH 7.0–8.0) and calcium availability for their own shell health. Once pest snails are eliminated, supplement with sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms, or leftover meaty foods — they will not survive on algae or plant matter alone. Avoid copper-based medications.
Do not house Assassin Snails with ornamental snails (Mystery, Nerite, Rabbit) or in shrimp-breeding tanks where they may predate shrimplets and shed exoskeletons.
Assassin Snails are the cleanest way to handle a pond snail or bladder snail outbreak — no chemicals, no copper, no risk to plants. Once they finish the pest population they slow down to scavenging.
02
Striking, Distinctive Shell
The tan-and-dark-brown striped conical shell makes Assassin Snails visually unmistakable. Even after their pest-control job is done, they remain an attractive feature snail.
03
Slow, Self-Limiting Reproduction
Assassin Snails lay eggs in small clutches and reproduce slowly. They will never overrun a tank the way the pests they hunt do.
Community Tank
Compatible Tank Mates
These species coexist peacefully with shrimp. Research before mixing — not every fish is safe.
Ornamental snails (Mystery, Nerite, Rabbit, smaller Assassins) — will be predated
Shrimp-breeding tanks — Assassin Snails may eat molting shrimp and shrimplets
Delicate small invertebrates and dwarf shrimp colonies you want to expand
Pufferfish and large loaches — will predate Assassin Snails
Crayfish — will attack snails
Expert Advice
Razz Aquatics Recommendation
Use Assassin Snails as a targeted intervention for pest snail outbreaks — not as a permanent community-tank addition alongside ornamental snails or shrimp colonies. Add 2–4 snails per 10 gallons for a noticeable population dent within a few weeks.
Do not introduce Assassin Snails to a tank where you are actively breeding shrimp. They can predate molting shrimp and shrimplets. Once your pest snail problem is solved, plan to either rehome the Assassin Snails or supplement-feed them with sinking carnivore foods so they survive long-term.
Livestock ships Monday through Thursday, delivering Tuesday through Friday. Choose your preferred delivery date at checkout.
1
Choose Delivery Date
Select your preferred delivery date at checkout. Livestock delivers Tuesday through Friday.
2
Quarantined & Health Checked
Every animal is imported, quarantined on-site, and health-checked before it ships.
3
Packed for the Weather
Insulated box with heat or cold pack matched to your local weather forecast.
4
Live Arrival Guaranteed
100% Live Arrival Guarantee on every order. Photo any DOA in the sealed bag on the day of delivery and submit a claim through the Start a Claim page. Approved claims are resolved with store credit, refund, or replacement at Razz Aquatics' discretion.See policy →
Free 2-Day Shipping at $120+. Free Overnight at $200+. Free shipping on plants & dry goods at $75+.
Why Order From Razz Aquatics
Quarantined Before Every Shipment
Every animal we sell is imported from trusted suppliers, quarantined in our dedicated facility, and health-checked before it ships. We run over 100 aquariums on-site — each focused on a specific species or color morph.
This is a family-owned operation. We pack every order ourselves and stand behind it with a 100% Live Arrival Guarantee. No drop-shipping. No middlemen.
100+
Dedicated quarantine & holding aquariums on-site
48+
States served with live livestock delivery
4.9★
Average customer rating across all verified reviews
100%
Live Arrival Guarantee — backed without fine print
Quarantined Before ShippingFamily-Owned & Operated
Common Questions
Assassin Snail FAQ
Are Assassin Snails safe with shrimp?+
Not in a shrimp-breeding tank. Adult shrimp are generally too fast for Assassin Snails, but freshly-molted shrimp and shrimplets are vulnerable. If you are actively breeding shrimp, do not introduce Assassin Snails. In a shrimp-light community tank with only adult shrimp, the risk is lower but not zero.
Will they eat my pest snails?+
Yes — this is their primary purpose. Pond snails, bladder snails, ramshorn snails, and Malaysian trumpet snails are all on the menu. A population of pest snails large enough to bother you will typically thin out noticeably within a few weeks of adding Assassin Snails.
How many do I need?+
For a noticeable population reduction, add 2–4 Assassin Snails per 10 gallons of tank capacity. For severe pest outbreaks, use the higher end. Add gradually — they breed slowly and you can always add more.
How are Assassin Snails shipped?+
Professionally packed in an insulated box with a heat or cold pack matched to your local weather forecast. Livestock ships Monday through Thursday and delivers Tuesday through Friday. Choose your preferred delivery date at checkout.
Is there a live arrival guarantee?+
Yes — 100% Live Arrival Guarantee on every order. Photo any DOA in the sealed bag on the day of delivery and submit a claim through the Start a Claim page. Approved claims are resolved with store credit, refund, or replacement at Razz Aquatics' discretion.
Are Assassin Snails safe with my Mystery or Nerite Snails?+
No. Assassin Snails will hunt and eat ornamental snails of similar or smaller size, including Mystery Snails, Nerites, Rabbit Snails, and other Assassins of smaller size. They are not a community-snail addition — they are a pest-snail control tool.
Will they eat my plants or algae?+
No. Assassin Snails are carnivores and scavengers. They will not eat live plants or graze algae. Once pest snails are eliminated, they need supplemental feeding with sinking carnivore foods, frozen bloodworms, or leftover meaty foods.
Will they overrun my tank?+
No. Assassin Snails reproduce slowly and lay only small egg clutches at a time. They will never produce the population explosions that the pest snails they hunt do.
What is the free shipping threshold?+
Free 2-Day Shipping on orders $120+. Free Overnight on orders $200+. Plants and dry goods ship free at $75+.
Shrimp Safe
Shrimp Safe
Shrimp Safe
Shrimp Safe
Shrimp Safe
