Nassarius Snail

Identity

Common Name: Nassarius Snail

Scientific Name: Phrontis vibex, formerly named Nassarius vibex

Other Names: Bruised Nassa; Common Eastern Nassa; Nassarius Vibex; Zombie Snail

Family: Nassariidae

Type: Marine gastropod mollusk

Native Range: Western Atlantic.

Lifespan: Captive lifespan uncertain; no dependable numerical range is available.

Overview

Husbandry Basis: Tank-volume, sand-depth, and feeding-frequency figures are planning starting points, not species-wide requirements. Adjust them to the identified snail's accessible sand and observed food acceptance; scavenging does not guarantee adequate nutrition.

Natural Habitat

Native Distribution: Western Atlantic.

Natural Habitat: Soft substrate and oyster-reef habitat

Aquarium Setup

Minimum Tank Size: Hydro Habitats starting recommendation: 10 US gal (38 L); not a universal requirement.

Rockwork: Secure rockwork while retaining accessible soft substrate and feeding areas.

Substrate: A starting depth of 1-2 in (2.5-5 cm) can provide a sand bed; retain accessible substrate for burrowing and feeding.

Lighting: Provide lighting appropriate to the whole system; no species-specific irradiance target is asserted.

Water Flow: Keep the sand feeding area accessible; avoid a direct jet that carries offered food away.

Space Requirements: Match stocking to accessible sand and an ongoing food supply, not only tank volume; avoid crowding animals into a limited feeding area.

Special Setup Requirements: Match transfer water and avoid abrupt changes; protect intakes and reserve coral clearance.

Water Parameters

Temperature: Starting target: 74-80°F (23-27°C)

Salinity: Starting target: 1.023-1.026 specific gravity; use a calibrated seawater instrument and its stated reference temperature.

pH: Starting target: 8.1-8.4; not a species tolerance limit.

Alkalinity: Starting target: 7-11 dKH; not a species tolerance limit.

Calcium: Starting target: 380-450 ppm using the test manufacturer's convention; not a species tolerance limit.

Magnesium: Starting target: 1250-1350 ppm using the test manufacturer's convention; not a species tolerance limit.

Other Relevant Parameters: Ammonia and nitrite should be undetectable with suitable seawater tests. Confirm the units, method and detection limit before comparing results; interpret ammonia with pH, temperature and salinity. Monitor nitrate/phosphate trends and manage feeding/export for the actual system. See Aquarium Ammonia and Aquarium Nitrite for test-unit guidance.

Stability Requirements: Use a biologically established aquarium with a documented history of stable conditions. Tank age alone does not establish readiness.

Husbandry Basis: Hydro Habitats starting targets, not species tolerance limits; use the test manufacturer's reporting convention.

Behavior

General Behavior: Observe burrowing and the individual's response to suitable food. Scavenging behavior is not a promise of algae control or nutritional sufficiency.

Compatibility

Compatibility Precautions: Other snails sold as Nassarius may have different care needs; confirm Phrontis vibex. Monitor feeding and contact, protect vulnerable livestock, and separate animals if injury occurs; compatibility is not guaranteed.

Diet & Feeding

Natural Diet: Scavenging is reported for animals identified as Nassarius vibex (now Phrontis vibex). Do not purchase it as an algae-control solution; offer suitable meaty food and monitor the individual.

Captive Diet: Hydro Habitats starting recommendation: Small marine meaty foods on sand.

Feeding Frequency: Small supplemental meals 2-3 times weekly; adjust portions and timing to observed food acceptance and remove uneaten food.

Feeding Method: Offer small marine meaty foods on accessible sand and check whether the snail reaches and accepts them. Remove excess and adjust portions to observed acceptance; do not add extra fish food simply to create waste for a cleanup crew.

Sexing & Breeding

Reproductive Strategy: Species-specific reproduction and larval-rearing instructions are not provided.

Health & Special Sensitivities

Common Health Problems: Persistent loss of attachment, feeding response or coordination, visible injury or tissue deterioration warrants checking measured water conditions and obtaining appropriate aquatic-health advice. Appearance alone does not diagnose the cause.

Molting/Shell Problems: The shell is secreted by the mantle, not shed like a crab's exoskeleton. Do not pull attached shell or tissue.

Copper Sensitivity: Do not use copper medication in a display containing these invertebrates. Treat fish separately under appropriate aquatic-health guidance; a reef-safe label alone does not establish safety for the animal or system.

Beginner Suitability

Beginner Friendly: Conditional; assess readiness and care demands.

Why: Prepare accessible sand and deliberate meaty-food supplementation. Do not buy this scavenger as an algae-control solution or assume cleanup work guarantees adequate nutrition.

Before You Buy

Important Considerations: Confirm Phrontis vibex; other trade-name Nassarius snails are outside this guide. Ask about food acceptance and inspect visible shell and tissue condition.

Compatibility: Confirm Phrontis vibex, protect vulnerable livestock, and monitor feeding and contact; separate animals if injury occurs.

Diet: Hydro Habitats starting recommendation: Small marine meaty foods on sand.

Adult Size: Reported shell length reaches 2.0 cm (about 0.8 in).

Long-Term Care: Continue checking food response rather than assuming leftovers sustain every snail. Persistent feeding loss, poor movement or visible tissue deterioration warrants water checks and aquatic-health advice; appearance alone does not diagnose the cause.