Nassarius Snail

Commonly referred to as ‘zombie snails’, Nassarius Snails are a fantastic addition to almost any cleanup crew; These snails will spend most of their time burrowed beneath the sand, extending a small siphon above the surface of the sand to allow for water exchange. As soon as the Nassarius Snail smells food, however, they will rapidly emerge from the sand and make a dash for any food debris that have happened to make their way to the bottom. Additionally, these snails will spend the day cruising through the sand in search of finer particulate food matter and detritus, helping prevent the buildup of waste, as well providing aeration to deeper layers of the sandbed.

Introduction to Nassarius Snail (Nassarius sp.) – Essential Sand-Sifting Scavenger

Nassarius snails are small but highly effective scavengers, known for their burrowing behavior and ability to quickly detect food. Unlike herbivorous algae grazers, Nassarius snails consume decaying organic matter, leftover food, and detritus, helping to maintain a healthy, nutrient-balanced aquarium. These snails spend most of their time buried in the sand, only emerging when they sense food in the water column. Their rapid movement and efficient waste removal make them an essential part of any cleanup crew.

Care Requirements

Care Level: Easy – Hardy and low-maintenance Minimum Tank Size: 10+ gallons Aquarium Setup: Requires at least 1-2 inches of sand for burrowing Nassarius snails thrive in well-established reef tanks, where they help oxygenate the sand bed while scavenging for food.

Diet & Nutrition

Nassarius snails are carnivorous scavengers, meaning they do not consume algae but instead focus on organic waste and leftover food. Diet: Carnivorous – Feeds on detritus, fish waste, and decaying matter Recommended Foods: Uneaten fish food and organic waste Chopped meaty foods like shrimp or fish (if needed) Sinking pellets or frozen foods (in low-nutrient systems) Because they rely on detritus as their main food source, Nassarius snails are best suited for tanks with regular feedings.

Lifespan & Growth Rate

Lifespan: 2-3 years Growth Rate: Moderate – Typically reaches up to 1 inch With proper care, Nassarius snails will naturally sustain their population over time in a well-balanced reef tank.

Temperament & Compatibility

Temperament: Peaceful – Does not interact with or harm tankmates Reef Safe? Yes – Does not harm corals, fish, or other invertebrates Nassarius snails are compatible with all reef-safe tank inhabitants, including: Clownfish Gobies Blennies Shrimp and other peaceful invertebrates Avoid housing them with predatory species such as: Triggers Pufferfish Large wrasses These fish may prey on Nassarius snails, making them unsuitable tankmates.

Common Challenges & Considerations

Requires a Sand Bed: Nassarius snails need a soft substrate for burrowing—they are not suitable for bare-bottom tanks. Not an Algae Eater: Unlike Trochus or Astrea snails, Nassarius snails do not consume algae and should not be relied on for algae control. To ensure success, maintain a stable environment and a consistent food source.

Water Conditions

Temperature: 74-80°F dKH (Alkalinity): 8-12 pH: 8.1-8.4 Specific Gravity: 1.024-1.026 Stable

Water Conditions

help support long-term health and scavenging behavior.