Assassin Snail
Clea helena
Assassin Snail (Clea helena) — Easy care, Peaceful, under Snail. Minimum tank in the app: 5.3 US gal min; aim for 72–81°F and pH 7–8.5. The Assassin Snail is a captivating choice for aquarists seeking an efficient scavenger with a unique feeding method.

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.
Natural distribution
Various
We don’t shade a region on this simplified map—your text may be Europe-only, worldwide, listed as “Various,” captive-only, or outside the five areas used in the stocking calculator. That tool still scores whether your fish come from similar parts of the world.
Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.
Assassin Snail Tank Setup
Create a balanced environment with plenty of hiding spots, such as driftwood and rocks, and a substrate they can sift through. Moderate water flow will encourage natural grazing behavior, while soft lighting can promote a sense of security. Aim for a mix of open spaces and dense cover to support their exploratory tendencies.
What Do Assassin Snails Eat?
Assassin Snails are opportunistic feeders, slowly grazing on detritus and algae. They require a varied diet to remain healthy, including supplementary foods like blanched vegetables.
Assassin Snail Tank Mates
These snails thrive alongside non-aggressive fish and invertebrates of similar size, such as small tetras or rasboras. Avoid tank mates that are overly boisterous or large enough to pose a threat. They do well in small groups but don't form shoals, so maintain a minimum of three to encourage natural behavior without overcrowding.
Are Assassin Snails Good for Beginners?
In App-aquatic we file this under easy care. That still means a cycled tank, realistic stocking, and parameters that do not swing every weekend. New aquarists often overlook the need for stable water parameters, particularly pH and copper levels, which can lead to health issues. Overcrowding in a small tank can also lead to stress and insufficient food availability, compromising their well-being.
Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.
Log tests and reminders in App-aquatic—free, same data you see here.

