Bumble Bee Snail (Engina sp.)

The Bumble Bee Snail is a small, strikingly patterned marine snail known for its black and yellow striped shell, resembling the appearance of a bumblebee. This snail is valued for its role in keeping the substrate clean, particularly for scavenging uneaten food, detritus, and decaying matter. In addition to being a great scavenger, Bumble Bee Snails are also used to help control and eradicate vermetid snails, a pest species known to irritate corals in reef tanks. While generally peaceful, Bumble Bee Snails can show opportunistic behavior and may target other invertebrates when food sources are limited.

Care Information

• Maximum Size: Up to 1 inch.
• Tank Size: 5 gallons minimum; best suited for tanks with a sandy substrate and plenty of rockwork for scavenging.
• Diet: Carnivorous; primarily feeds on detritus, uneaten food, decaying matter, and small invertebrates like vermetid snails. Bumble Bee Snails are particularly effective at targeting vermetid snails and helping to control their population. It benefits from supplemental feedings of sinking pellets or meaty foods when natural food sources are scarce.
• Water Temp: 72-78°F.
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025.
• Aggression: Generally peaceful, but it may exhibit opportunistic behavior toward other invertebrates, particularly if food sources are limited.
• Skill Level: Beginner; hardy and easy to care for, making it suitable for aquarists of all levels.
• Reef Compatibility: With caution; while typically considered reef-safe, there is a chance that Bumble Bee Snails will attack smaller invertebrates, such as other snails or worms, especially when food sources become scarce.

Special Feature - Vermetid Snail Control
Bumble Bee Snails are commonly used to help control and eradicate vermetid snails, a nuisance species known for their mucous nets that irritate corals and other tank inhabitants. By preying on vermetid snails, Bumble Bee Snails can help reduce their numbers and maintain a healthier tank environment.

Opportunistic Behavior
Though Bumble Bee Snails are beneficial for controlling vermetid snails and cleaning up detritus, they have been known to attack smaller invertebrates when their primary food sources run low. It is important to ensure that there is a steady food supply or to supplement their diet with meaty foods to reduce the chance of aggression toward other tankmates.

Coloration

• Indo-Pacific Region: The Bumble Bee Snail features a striking black and yellow striped shell, which stands out against the substrate and rockwork in any marine tank. Its bold appearance and scavenging behavior make it a functional and attractive addition to the tank​.

Typical Habitat

• Distribution: The Bumble Bee Snail is native to the Indo-Pacific region, where it inhabits sandy and rocky environments. It is often found burrowing into the substrate and scavenging for organic matter and small invertebrates,