Nassarius Snails

Nassarius Snails, though tiny, are a powerhouse when it comes to keeping saltwater aquariums clean. These unique snails are a valuable member of any Reef Aquarium Clean Up Crew, especially if you have sand substrate. Nassarius Snails are efficient at eliminating detritus, uneaten food, and various organic debris from the aquarium and a small number of these snails can make a noticeable difference in the cleanliness of your tank.

Distinctive for its small, tightly spiraled shell, the Nassarius Snail is known for its ability to burrow under the sand of a *saltwater aquarium. Nassarius Snails typically hide, with only their long tubular siphon poking up through the sand. These snails are particularly active in their search for food, often emerging like a small army as soon as you put food in the tank. 

This unique behavior not only helps the Nassarius Snail find more particles to scavenge, but it also helps to aerate and turn over the aquarium sand. But they are not just limited to the sandbed; Nassarius Snails can also be seen climbing the glass of the aquarium. Nassarius Snails feed mainly on fish waste and uneaten food in the aquarium so it’s important to house them in a well-established tank with plenty of live rock and a deep sand bed. 

 

If you are looking for a full cleanup crew you can shop our Saltwater Invert Packs.

*The Nassarius Snails, and all our inverts, are for saltwater aquariums only.