Nassarius Snail (Nassarius sp.)

Care Level : Easy

Temperament : Peaceful

Color : Black, Tan, White

Diet : Carnivore

Reef Compatible : Yes

Water Conditions : 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025

Max. Size : ½"

Origin : Caribbean, Mexico

Family : Nassariidae

Supplements : Calcium, Magnesium, Iodine, Trace Elements

The Nassarius Snail (Nassarius sp.), is a small member of the mollusk phylum and is a fairly common addition to the saltwater aquarium as part of the cleanup crew. You will be pleased at how quickly a small group of Nassarius Snails will clear detritus, uneaten food, decaying organics, and fish waste.

The Nassarius Snail is a small scavenger with an oval, spiral shell that resembles an olive pit. Despite their small size, they have a relatively rugged shell. The shell is spiral in shape (with a nice sharp spire, in fact) with a nice rugged outer texture. Tan, beige and brown bands run along the width of the shell. Nassarius Snails are small and grow only to about a half-inch in size when fully-grown.

The Nassarius Snail prefers an established aquarium with live rock and a deep sand bed. It likes to burrow into the sand, usually with its long tubular siphon protruding from the substrate. As it searches for food, the Nassarius Snail helps prevent compaction and aerates aquarium substrate. Nassarius Snails are generally much more active at night, although they will emerge from the sand when they smell food.

Nassarius Snails, are not compatible with hermit crabs, because those arthropods may prey on the mollusks, turning them into escargot and turning their shells into a mobile home.

It is sensitive to high nitrate levels and copper-based medications.

The Nassarius Snail is extremely difficult to breed in captivity.

The Nassarius Snail is a little snail with a big appetite. They are carnivorous scavengers. Nassarius Snails are scavengers and will eat detritus and left over meaty foods such as mysis shrimp. They will not eat diatoms.

Size: 1/4" to 1/2"