Apple snail (Ampullariidae sp.) is a large, bright and very popular tank snail. The term “apple snail” generally refers to a group of large freshwater snails belonging to the family Ampullariidae. The most common name the snail has – mystery snail and golden apple snail; since it can be of different colorings, correspondingly it has different names. However, don’t be confused with such a variety of names. All species despite their differences in appearance are alike in their behavior and care.
Aquarium snails are everywhere in aquarist’s live – they inhabit in all types of tanks and sometimes they appear in the places, where it seems to be impossible. Let’s try to make a long story short and gather some information about the kinds described earlier, so then you can choose what’s interesting especially for you.
Many beginner aquarists struggle with managing snail populations in their tanks, especially when the numbers become overwhelming. This raises two important questions: how to get rid of snails in aquarium, and where do they come from?
If you didn’t introduce snails intentionally, they likely entered your tank on live plants. Snail eggs can cling to the leaves of aquatic plants purchased from stores, leading to an unexpected population increase.
To manage snails, consider several approaches. You can use natural predators, such as certain fish species, or employ traps designed to capture snails without harming other inhabitants. Regular maintenance, including removing excess food and debris, can also help keep their numbers in check.
The assassin snail (Anentome helena, formerly Clea helena), native to South-West Asia, is commonly known as the “killer snail.” These small freshwater snails have become a popular choice among aquarium enthusiasts for their remarkable ability to control unwanted pest snail populations. If your aquarium is overrun with nuisance snails, introducing an snail is one of the most effective and natural solutions to manage the infestation.
Assassin snails actively hunt down and feed on smaller pest snails, making them a valuable addition to many tanks. With their efficient snail control and minimal impact on other tank inhabitants, it’s no surprise that Anentome helena remains a favorite for those seeking a low-maintenance, biological method of keeping snail numbers in check.
