Nassarius Snail (Nassarius vibex) Care Guide
A small, burrowing snail that lives beneath the sand substrate, emerging to feed on detritus and uneaten food. An essential sand-bed cleaner that aerates the substrate while scavenging.
Overview
Nassarius vibex is a species in the family Nassariidae. A small, burrowing snail that lives beneath the sand substrate, emerging to feed on detritus and uneaten food. An essential sand-bed cleaner that aerates the substrate while scavenging. Has a distinctive long siphon tube it extends above the sand surface.
Taxonomy
- Family: Nassariidae
- Genus: Nassarius
- Scientific name: Nassarius vibex
- Other names: Sand Snail, Super Tongan Nassarius
- Origin: Western Atlantic
Habitat
Nassarius vibex, a small scavenging snail of sandy bottoms in the western Atlantic. It burrows in the sand bed and emerges to consume detritus and uneaten food, helping to keep the substrate aerated and clean; reef-safe.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 20 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Salinity: SG 1.024-1.026
- KH: 8-12 dKH
- Water flow: low
- Adult size: 1-2.5 cm
- Lifespan: 1-3 years
- Difficulty: beginner
Diet
Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: continuous grazer. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.
Compatibility
- Temperament: peaceful
- Position in tank: bottom
- Compatible tank mates: Any Reef-Safe Fish, Other Snails, Hermit Crabs
- Avoid with: Triggerfish, Pufferfish
Reef compatibility
Generally classified as reef-safe: does not feed on stony or soft corals, tridacnid clams or ornamental shrimps under normal conditions.