Nassarius Snail
Open Mon–Sat 10am–6pm · Sun 1pm–6pm. Usually ready the same day.
- Kept in our system until you collect
Overview
Nassarius Snails are among the hardest-working members of any clean-up crew, spending most of their time buried in the sand with just a periscope-like siphon poking above the surface. The moment food hits the water, they emerge en masse to scavenge — a genuinely dramatic sight that's earned them the nickname "zombie snails."
Role in the tank
Nassarius Snails are scavengers rather than algae eaters, focused on detritus, uneaten food and decaying organic matter rather than nuisance algae. Their constant burrowing through the sand bed also helps prevent compaction and keeps the substrate aerated, reducing anaerobic pockets that can otherwise build up.
Care
Drip acclimate slowly, as with any invertebrate, and provide a genuine sand bed at least a couple of inches deep — this species relies on being able to fully burrow, and a bare-bottom tank isn't suitable for them. In very clean, lightly stocked tanks they can sometimes go hungry, so keep an eye on their activity level at feeding time.
Compatibility
Peaceful and completely reef-safe, posing no threat to corals or most invertebrates.
- Use caution around clams, since Nassarius have occasionally been observed targeting exposed clam mantles
- Avoid housing with pufferfish, triggerfish or other snail-eating species
Care tips
- Provide a sand bed at least a couple of inches deep so they can exhibit natural burrowing behaviour
- In very clean or lightly stocked tanks, drop a small piece of shrimp or mysis near the sand a few times a week if you're not seeing regular emergence
- Avoid copper-based medications, which are toxic to all invertebrates
- Protect clams by placing them on a raised rock or platform if you're concerned about mantle nipping
How collection works
Order & pay online
Check out and pay securely. We set it aside and hold it ready for you.
We get it ready
It stays in our system until you come in — usually ready the same day.
Collect in store
Drop in to 280 North Road, Eastwood, and pick it up.
