Species profile
Assassin Snail
Anentome sp. ("helena" complex)
Peaceful
Easy care
20 L minimum aquarium
2–3 cm adult size
Bottom
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Predatory assassin-snail trade complex. Excellent snail predator, but aquarium stock cannot always be identified as true Anentome helena.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
22–27 °C
pH
7–8
GH
10–25 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Bottom
Territory level
None
Predation risk
Snails
Bioload factor
0.1
Burrowing predatory/scavenging snail. Will actively hunt other snails and may take other vulnerable animal food; do not list as snail-safe.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
No / caution
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
Yes
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Carnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
20 L
Minimum footprint
30 × 20 cm
Alternative names
Assassin Snail, Clea helena, Anentome helena, Anentome 'helena' complex
Native range
Aquarium-trade stock of unresolved Anentome lineage; the nominal A. helena complex is native to Southeast Asia.
Natural habitat
Lower freshwater river habitats with sand/mud. In aquaria provide fine substrate for burrowing, stable mineral availability and no copper-based medications.
Diet & feeding
Predator/scavenger feeding on gastropods, worms and carrion. Supplement with animal-based sinking foods when pest snails are scarce.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Sexes are separate but are not reliably distinguishable externally in normal aquarium use.
Breeding
Separate sexes. Females lay individual clear egg capsules on hard surfaces; development is slow compared with pest ramshorns.