Nassarius Snail (Nassarius SP.

The Nassarius Snail is an incredibly valuable and efficient member of any marine tank's cleanup crew. Known for its burrowing behavior, this snail is highly effective at scavenging detritus, uneaten food, and decaying matter from the substrate, helping to maintain a clean and healthy aquarium. The Nassarius Snail is unique for its ability to quickly emerge from the sand when food is present, making it a fascinating species to observe.

Care Information

• Maximum Size: Up to 1 inch.
• Tank Size: 10 gallons minimum; larger tanks with sandy substrate provide ample opportunity for grazing and burrowing.
• Diet: Scavenger; feeds on detritus, uneaten food, and decaying organic matter. It is not an algae grazer but can be supplemented with sinking pellets or frozen meaty foods like mysis or brine shrimp.
• Water Temp: 72-78°F.
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025.
• Aggression: Peaceful; coexists well with other invertebrates and tankmates.
• Skill Level: Beginner; hardy and easy to care for, making it a great choice for aquarists of all levels.
• Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe; does not harm corals or other invertebrates and is beneficial for keeping the substrate clean and aerated.

Special Feature - Sand Stirring
The Nassarius Snail is a natural sand stirrer, which helps keep the substrate oxygenated and prevents the buildup of harmful gases. Their burrowing behavior is essential for maintaining a healthy sand bed, especially in reef tanks. When food enters the water column, these snails quickly emerge from the sand, creating a unique and fascinating spectacle.

Handling Caution
Nassarius Snails thrive in tanks with a soft sand substrate, where they can burrow and scavenge for food. They are best suited for tanks with live rock and soft substrates to allow for their natural behavior.

Coloration

• Indo-Pacific Region: Nassarius Snails are typically small and feature a smooth, grayish to white shell with a long, siphon-like structure. Their size and neutral color allow them to blend in with the substrate, where they remain buried until food is present​.

Typical Habitat

• Distribution: Native to the Indo-Pacific, Nassarius Snails inhabit sandy and muddy substrates around coral reefs and coastal lagoons. They spend most of their time buried in the sand, only emerging to scavenge for food.