Snail (scavenger, sand)

Nassarius snail

Nassarius spp.

Group: Snail (scavenger, sand)
Care level: Beginner
With corals: Reef safe

What does the nassarius snail do in a reef tank?

Meaty leftovers and carrion; does not graze algae but keeps sand surface turned typical, check

With corals: Yes

How many should you keep?

Suitable from about 20 US gal in a mature tank typical, check

One US gallon is 3.785 litres and one UK gallon is 4.546 litres, so a "per gallon" rule depends on whose gallon it means.

What can go wrong?

Starves in a new tank with no fish being fed; add after fish typical, check

Photo note: Shell photo.

Which tankmates are risky?

Fish

Fish that may eat or harass it.

None of the fish in this guide is known to eat or harass it.

Other invertebrates

Invertebrates it may harm, or that may harm it.

Take care (2)

Blue leg hermit crabBlue leg hermit crabs kill snails to take their shells; give spare empty shells.
Large hermitsLarge hermitss kill snails to take their shells; give spare empty shells.

These checks follow the reasons fish and invertebrates clash: same species or genus, similar shape, mouth size, temperament, food, burrows, tank size and the order they are added. Individual animals differ; every source agrees on that.