Nassarius Snails

Nassarius Snail – Nassarius sp.

The Nassarius Snail is a small but highly effective scavenger known for its impressive appetite and constant foraging behavior. Its smooth, oval spiral shell resembles an olive pit, and it is often seen emerging from the sand with its long, tube-like siphon extended to detect food. These snails rapidly consume detritus, uneaten food, and decaying organics, making them a powerful addition to any reef cleanup crew. Their burrowing behavior naturally aerates the substrate and helps prevent its compaction.

Nassarius Snails thrive in well-established aquariums with mature live rock and a deep sand bed that accommodates their burrowing lifestyle. Add them once the system has stabilized and developed a healthy layer of microfauna—typically several weeks to a few months after the nitrogen cycle is complete. As with all invertebrates, they require stable water parameters and must be protected from copper-based treatments.

While they primarily feed on your fishes' leftover meaty foods and detritus, Nassarius Snails readily accept supplemental offerings when needed. Provide small amounts of high-quality meaty foods, such as PE's Mysis Shrimp or New Life Spectrum Marine Fish pellets.

Approximate Purchase Size: 1/4" to 1/2"