Nassarius Snail – East Pacific (Nassarius tiarula)

Quick Stats:

• Care Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Diet: Carnivore
• Reef Safe: Yes
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
• Maximum Size: 1 inch
• Water Parameters: pH 8.1-8.4, Salinity 1.023-1.025, Temperature 72-78°F

Nassarius Snail – East Pacific (Nassarius tiarula): A Comprehensive Guide

Habitat:

The Nassarius Snail (Nassarius tiarula) is commonly found in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, ranging from California to Peru. These snails inhabit sandy or muddy areas, often burrowing into the substrate.

Reef Safe:

Yes, the Nassarius Snail is considered reef safe. They do not harm corals, invertebrates, or other tank inhabitants. In fact, they can be beneficial for reef aquariums as they help clean up detritus and leftover food.

Reef Cleaner:

The Nassarius Snail is considered a reef cleaner due to its scavenging behavior. They actively search for decaying organic matter, uneaten food, and other debris in the aquarium, helping to maintain water quality and reduce the risk of harmful bacteria growth.

Size:

The Nassarius Snail grows up to approximately 1 inch in size, making them suitable for smaller aquarium setups.

Sexual Dimorphism:

There is no significant sexual dimorphism in Nassarius Snails, making it difficult to visually differentiate between males and females.

Lifespan:

The average lifespan of Nassarius Snails is around 1-2 years, depending on the quality of care provided.

Diet in Aquariums:

Nassarius Snails are carnivorous and primarily feed on detritus, decaying matter, and leftover food in the aquarium. They use their extendable proboscis to search for food particles in the substrate.

Aquacultured Availability:

Currently, Nassarius Snails are not commonly aquacultured, but they are readily available to hobbyists through reputable online retailers like Reefs4Less.com.

Compatibility with Other Tankmates:

Nassarius Snails are generally peaceful and compatible with a wide range of fish, invertebrates, and corals. However, caution should be exercised with aggressive or predatory species that may harm or harass the snails. Here are five popular tankmates that are considered suitable companions for Nassarius Snails:

1. Clownfish: These colorful and popular clownfish are peaceful and make great tankmates for Nassarius Snails.
2. Fire Shrimp: Fire Shrimp are known for their striking coloration and peaceful nature, making them a good choice for a community aquarium.
3. Green Chromis: These small, schooling fish are peaceful and add a vibrant touch to the aquarium.
4. Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp: These shrimp not only have a unique appearance but also provide cleaning services to fish by removing parasites.
5. Zoanthids: Nassarius Snails are compatible with various species of Zoanthids, adding color and diversity to the reef aquarium.

Temperament:

The Nassarius Snail is known for its peaceful temperament. They spend most of their time scavenging for food in the substrate and do not display aggressive behavior towards other tank inhabitants.

Other Common Names:

The Nassarius Snail – East Pacific is also known as the Eastern Pacific Nassarius Snail or the Tiarula Nassarius Snail.

Why Buy from Reefs4Less.com:

Reefs4Less.com is a reputable online retailer that specializes in providing high-quality marine livestock and supplies. They offer a wide selection of saltwater aquarium species, including the Nassarius Snail – East Pacific, ensuring that hobbyists can find the perfect addition to their aquarium. With their commitment to customer satisfaction and reliable shipping practices, Reefs4Less.com is a trusted source for all your saltwater aquarium needs.

Popular Questions and Answers:

1. How many Nassarius Snails should I keep in my aquarium?

The number of Nassarius Snails to keep depends on the size of your aquarium and the amount of detritus and waste produced. As a general guideline, you can start with 1-2 snails per 10 gallons of water and adjust accordingly based on the cleaning needs of your tank.

2. Will Nassarius Snails reproduce in my aquarium?

While Nassarius Snails can reproduce in the right conditions, it is unlikely to occur in a typical home aquarium. Their reproduction requires specific cues and environmental factors that are often not present in captivity.

3. How often should I feed Nassarius Snails?

Nassarius Snails are efficient scavengers and can survive on the detritus and leftover food in the aquarium. However, if you want to supplement their diet, you can offer small amounts of meaty foods like frozen mysis shrimp or pellet foods once or twice a week.

4. Can Nassarius Snails be kept in a reef tank with sensitive corals?

Yes, Nassarius Snails are considered reef safe and can be kept in tanks with sensitive corals. They do not pose a threat to corals and can actually help maintain a clean and healthy environment by consuming excess detritus.

5. Are Nassarius Snails suitable for a beginner saltwater aquarium?

Yes, Nassarius Snails are a great choice for beginners. They are easy to care for, help maintain water quality, and are compatible with a wide range of tankmates. Their scavenging behavior also adds an interesting element to the aquarium.