The Assassin snail is often introduced into aquariums to control the population of other snails that may cause trouble, as it serves as an effective predator. They eat anything they can fit in their mouth and usually target other snails first; though if hungry enough they may consume fish, invertebrates, and clams as well. Although not recommended with aggressive fish that could injure or consume them directly; most peaceful community tank fish and other scavengers should co-exist peacefully in tanks with these snails.
Assault predators hunt in one of two ways; either by hiding under substrate and patrolling their environment with their siphon sticking out at the top, or ambushing prey from a distance. Once they see something move, they bury themselves and wait for an unsuspecting victim to move closer so their radula extends like a tongue and grabs it before sucking it all in in one quick chomp - regurgitated portions are regurgitated along with one of their harpoons which then returns back into their proboscis ready for another hunting spree!
Assassin snails are slow breeders, taking several months before you see baby snails floating at the surface looking for food. They require at least five gallons of tank space, as well as bloodworms, California blackworms or shrimp pellets as food sources to stay happy and healthy. Furthermore, temperatures should remain consistent while pH levels shouldn't become too acidic as that could compromise their shells and lead to serious shell deterioration.
