[Nicci Lu]

About a month ago, I put my two assassin snails in the same tank because my ramshorns were getting out of control. It was only for about two weeks before I moved one back to my other tank. Well, apparently, they were busy. I just found a 1cm baby assassin! Woo hoo!

Well, next week I have plans to tear the entire tank down and change the substrate. I'd like to save what baby assassins I have. So, my question is: how fast do these guys breed? If my pair were together a month ago and I just saw one, how many more do you think it's possible might be in the tank? A few? Lots? I'm wondering how thoroughly I should sift the sand/soil and for how many of these guys I should keep a lookout for.

 

[Boredomb]

I have never had these guys before but I think they breed slower the other snails. I want to say something like one baby snail a month. But could be totally wrong here!

 

[Nicci Lu]

Well, so far I've seen two babies. I guess once I've torn the tank down, I'll see if there are any more hiding in the sand.

 

[Boredomb]

They can hard to spot like that! Hopefully you can find them and good luck.

 

[Nicci Lu]

Thanks! Even worse, I have to try and transfer over as many of my MTS as possible- That's not going to fun!

 

[Boredomb]

Thanks! Even worse, I have to try and transfer over as many of my MTS as possible- That's not going to fun!

Have done that several times. No its not fun!

 

[newtchaplin]

I have been breeding them for the past two years and you most likely have about 10-12. They lay single eggs on stems and leaves, pea sized gravel, and wood. They will only breed if food is plentiful. It takes about three weeks for them to hatch and then they spend three weeks inside your substrate, you will see them when they start feeding on snails, like you already have. Not all will survive but most will. good luck and have fun enjoying them.

 

[Nicci Lu]

Oh, food is plentiful, alright. Thanks for the info, I feel better having an idea of how many to look out for. Are they pretty hardy at the point when they start to hunt for snails? I was thinking about taking some out and putting them in my other tank which has an even worse ramshorn infestation.

 

[newtchaplin]

when they start eating snails you can see the black and yellow stripes. You can totally move them around, very hardy snail. Ramshorn snails they love to eat them. If you live in the Ottawa area I can give you a dozen assassin snails if it helps. I have over two hundred assassin snails.

 

[Nicci Lu]

Great, I was just thinking last week that I'd wished I'd gotten more than two assassins... now I do! Thanks for your offer, but I'm in Arizona. Besides, while I'd like them to keep my MTS population in check, I don't want them completely decimated.