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Assassin Snails (Clea helena) are small, carnivorous freshwater snails infamous in aquariums for their predatory efficiency. Native to Southeast Asia, they inhabit slow-moving waters with sandy or muddy substrates where they can bury themselves, waiting in ambush.
Their name comes from their stealthy hunting style: unlike most snails that graze on algae or detritus, Assassin Snails actively prey on other snails. With their long proboscis, they pierce the soft tissues of unsuspecting victims—often nuisance snails like Malaysian trumpet snails—before consuming them alive. Once they catch a target, there’s little chance of escape.
Despite their lethal habits, Assassin Snails are considered allies by aquarists. They keep snail populations under control without harming fish or plants, earning them a reputation as the “clean-up assassins” of the tank. Their striking black-and-gold striped shells make them visually appealing, resembling tiny hornet-like spirals.
Calm when undisturbed yet ruthless when hunting, these snails embody patience, stealth, and precision—nature’s quiet executioners gliding beneath the water’s surface.