Not furry either, still lovely.

Nassarius Snail

Nassarius spp.

Also called Nassa mud snail, Dog whelk

SpeciesShort profile

From Found in seas worldwide, living on intertidal and shallow subtidal mud and sand flats.1

At a glance the quick version

Lengthup to 1.3 cm2 1

Sizesmall

Maximum size about 1/2 inch for the aquarium form; the genus covers minute to medium-sized snails.

Busy clean-up crew scavenger

Stirs and aerates the sand bed

Peaceful and easy to keep

2 1

Looks how to spot one

Spiral shell

A small sea snail with a rounded, spiral shell shaped a little like an olive stone, with a cone-like spire and a notch for its long breathing tube (siphon). Shell sculpture varies between species.1 2

Personality what they are like

A peaceful little scavenger that spends much of its time buried in the sand with just its siphon showing. When it smells food it pops out and glides over the bottom surprisingly quickly to find it.1 2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Mostly hidden under the sand, emerging in bursts to forage when food is in the water.1 2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Acclimate slowly and keep water quality stable with low nitrate; copper-based treatments must not be used in its tank.2

Home where they are happiest

An established marine tank with live rock and a deep, soft sand bed to burrow in. Stable, fully marine water at about 22-26 C, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity (specific gravity) 1.023-1.025 and dKH 8-12.2

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A scavenger that eats leftover food, detritus and carrion such as dead fish; in the wild it also feeds on crabs and other dead animals.1 2

Company who they like around

Peaceful with fish and other invertebrates and can be kept in groups as part of a clean-up crew.2

The story where it all began

The genus was named by Dumeril in 1806 and has grown to include hundreds of species found on sandy and muddy shores around the world. In the aquarium hobby, species such as Nassarius vibex became popular for keeping sand beds turned over and free of leftover food.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Shells of Nassarius gibbosulus were made into beads around 100,000 years ago, among the oldest known personal ornaments.1
2
It waits buried in the sand with only its siphon sticking out, 'sniffing' the water for food.1
3
More than 1,000 species names have been placed in this genus over the years.1
4
In the UK these snails are known as dog whelks, while in the USA they are called nassa mud snails.1

Recognised by the official bits

Taxonomy (via Wikipedia): Genus Nassarius, named by Dumeril in 1806 (family Nassariidae). More than 1,000 names have been placed in the genus over time, though many are now treated as synonyms.1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Nassarius Snail. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

FeedingDepends on species, many feed from the light and the watervaries
Salinity checkevery week
Water testevery week
Top-upTop up evaporation with fresh RO water, not salt waterevery day
Water changeAbout 10 to 20% of the waterevery 2 weeks
Light checkevery month

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Nassarius Snail?

As a scavenger, it eats leftover food, detritus, and carrion such as dead fish, so it usually gets enough from the tank. If the tank is very clean, you can offer small pieces of meaty food occasionally, but for a specific schedule, ask a vet or breeder.1 2

What does a Nassarius Snail eat, and what should it never eat?

It eats leftover food, detritus, and carrion like dead fish. The facts do not list foods it should never eat, but copper-based treatments are toxic and must never be used in its tank.1 2

How much space does a Nassarius Snail need?

It needs a marine tank with a deep, soft sand bed to burrow in. Tank size depends on the number of snails and other inhabitants; ask a good breeder for specific space requirements.2

What temperature, light or water does a Nassarius Snail need?

It needs stable marine water at 22-26°C, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.023-1.025, and dKH 8-12. It spends most of its time buried, so lighting is not critical; Furry Diary's plan includes a monthly light check, but the snail itself has no strong light needs.2 Pet Wiki plan

How often should I clean a Nassarius Snail's home?

Perform a 10-20% water change every two weeks, top up evaporation daily with fresh RO water, and test water weekly to keep nitrate low. Avoid copper-based treatments.2 Pet Wiki plan

Can a Nassarius Snail live with others?

Yes, it is peaceful with fish and other invertebrates and can be kept in groups as part of a clean-up crew.2

How long does a Nassarius Snail live?

Lifespan is not provided in the facts. It varies by species and care; ask a vet or breeder for an estimate.

Can I handle a Nassarius Snail?

The facts do not mention handling; it is generally best to avoid handling marine invertebrates. For guidance, ask a vet.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Cerith Snail

Fighting Conch

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

Nassarius (Wikipedia) en.wikipedia.orgused for names, range, shell, behaviour, diet, taxonomy, history, fun facts
Nassarius Snail (LiveAquaria) liveaquaria.comused for size, temperament, water parameters, habitat and care

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.