Nassarius Snail

The Nassarius Snail from Tonga combines unique beauty with unparalleled scavenging abilities. Its oval, spiral shell is often said to resemble an olive pit, but it is much more ornate and elegant in its beauty. The most striking physical characteristic, however, is the long, tube-like siphon that protrudes from one end of the shell. This siphon is used to breathe while the Nassarius Snail is buried in the substrate foraging for food. In addition to beauty, the Nassarius sp. is an ideal detritus eater that also helps maintain adequate oxygen levels in the substrate as they burrow and sift through the sand.

Among the many species of Nassarius snails found in the coastal zones of most oceans, the Nassarius Snail is one of the largest and can grow up to 1" in size. This size advantage over their much smaller relatives makes them ideal inhabitants in larger marine reef systems. However, since they spend most of their time buried in your aquarium substrate feeding on waste, uneaten food, and other detritus, they require a well-established aquarium with live rock and sufficient sand substrate.

The Super Tongan Nassarius Snail has an acute sense of smell and can quickly detect food when added to your aquarium. It is definitely fun to watch the sand boil with activity as the Super Tongan Nassarius Snail emerges from the substrate in search for the source of the scent. Super Tongan Nassarius Snails can typically find enough food in most marine aquariums with well-established sand beds. However, if food levels are not adequate, supplement their diet with frozen meaty foods, such as brine or mysis shrimp or pieces of fish or scallops.

Like other invertebrates, Nassarius sp. is very sensitive to copper-based medications and high nitrate levels. The Super Tongan Nassarius Snail requires a gradual acclimation period, preferably the drip acclimation method, since it is intolerant of even the smallest fluctuations in water parameters. The Super Nassarius Snail is extremely difficult to breed in captivity.