Ivory Predatory Snail: Anentome helena

10 October 2026

136

The ivory predatory snail, commonly sold as Clea helena, is a freshwater assassin snail from Southeast Asia. It has a strongly ribbed, ivory to yellow-brown shell and a mottled gray-brown body. This active carnivore hunts or scavenges other small snails and accepts meaty foods in aquaria. It is generally plant-safe, but its predatory diet and egg-laying reproduction require planning when keeping it with ornamental snails or maintaining a controlled population.

Taxonomy and identification

The species is widely known in the aquarium trade as Clea helena and is also treated under the name Anentome helena. It belongs to the freshwater snail family Nassariidae. Identification is supported by the elongated, conical shell, pronounced spiral ridges, pale ivory to yellow-brown coloration, and often darker bands or shading. Trade names and color intensity vary, so shell color alone should not be used for exact identification.

Natural habitat

Anentome helena is native to freshwater habitats in Southeast Asia. It is associated with submerged surfaces and soft or sandy bottom areas where it can burrow and search for prey. In an aquarium, provide a mature, stable tank with fine or smooth substrate, cover, and places to explore. Secure a tight-fitting lid because snails may climb above the waterline.

Water parameters and care

Maintain clean, well-oxygenated freshwater with stable conditions rather than pursuing an exact value. A temperature of 22–28 °C and pH of 7.0–8.5 are suitable working ranges. Moderate hardness and adequate calcium help maintain the shell; very soft, acidic water can cause erosion. Avoid copper-based medications and sudden changes in temperature, pH, or mineral content. Regular partial water changes and effective filtration are important.

Feeding behavior

This is a carnivorous predator and scavenger. It can consume small live snails, especially when prey are accessible on the substrate, and will also eat dead animals or meaty aquarium foods. Offer sinking foods such as prepared carnivore pellets, wafers, or suitable frozen foods when natural prey is scarce. Do not rely on a large pest-snail population as its only food source, because prey depletion can leave the snails underfed.

Plant safety and tankmates

Healthy aquarium plants are generally safe because Anentome helena is not primarily an algae-grazing or plant-eating snail. It may investigate plant surfaces and can disturb delicate seedlings while burrowing, but direct plant damage is not normally its main behavior. It is safest with fish and invertebrates that will not prey on snails. Do not keep it with ornamental snails that must be protected, including small reproducing species, because predation is possible.

Reproduction

Anentome helena has separate sexes, so reproduction normally requires both males and females. Mating may be followed by the placement of individual egg capsules on hard surfaces such as glass, wood, rock, or decor. Young snails hatch and develop in freshwater, with access to suitable food affecting survival and growth. Breeding is usually slower and less explosive than that of many pest snails, but a group can establish a persistent population.

Population control

Control numbers by starting with a small group, limiting excess meaty food, and removing unwanted adults or egg capsules during routine maintenance. Reducing the abundance of feeder snails also limits reproduction and growth, but hungry adults may then need supplemental prepared food. Use a snail-safe removal method such as hand collection or a trap designed for the target species. Never release unwanted snails or aquarium water into natural waterways.

Snail info

Temperature : 22–28 °C
pH: 7.0–8.5

Related on Snails

Leave your comments

Latest on Snails

Midnight Lady Snail (Vittina sp.)

The Midnight Lady Snail is a dark, patterned nerite sold under the aquarium trade name Midnight Lady Schnecke. It is identified here as Vittina sp., because the exact species cannot be confirmed from the supplied name and photograph alone. These snails are generally peaceful algae grazers for mature freshwater aquariums, but successful breeding requires conditions that are not normally present in freshwater tanks.
Hedgehog Snail (Brotia armata)

The hedgehog snail, Brotia armata, is a large freshwater pachychilid recognized by its strongly ridged, spiny shell. It is a grazing and scavenging snail rather than a dedicated algae-control species, and it needs mature aquariums with clean, oxygenated water and adequate mineral content. Identification from photographs can be uncertain because several Brotia species have similar shell forms, so locality information is useful when confirming specimens.
Indian Malayan Louver Snail (Melanoides tuberculata)

Melanoides tuberculata is a small, conical freshwater snail commonly known in aquaria as the Malaysian trumpet snail. It spends much of the day burrowing through substrate and becomes more active after dark. This adaptable species consumes biofilm, algae, detritus and uneaten food, while generally leaving healthy plants alone. Its live-bearing reproduction can produce a large population when food is abundant. The name supplied for this article is retained, although common names vary and aquarium specimens may be confused with related thiarid snails.
Green staghorn snail (Clithon corona)

The green staghorn snail, Clithon corona, is a nerite snail valued for grazing algae and biofilm in freshwater aquariums. It is generally peaceful, plant-safe and unlikely to overpopulate in freshwater because its larvae normally require brackish or marine conditions. Provide mature surfaces for grazing, mineral-rich water and a secure lid. Identification can be difficult because aquarium trade names overlap among Clithon species, so the supplied name should be treated as a probable identification rather than a definitive one.
Geweihschnecke Tricolor (Clithon sp.)

Geweihschnecke Tricolor is a trade name for a colourful horned nerite in the genus Clithon. Exact species identification is uncertain because several closely related Clithon species and colour forms are sold under similar names. These small algae-grazing snails suit mature freshwater aquariums with stable, mineral-rich water. They are generally peaceful, plant-safe and unable to establish a large population in ordinary freshwater, although they may leave small white egg capsules on hard surfaces.
Geweihschnecke Red Venom (Clithon sowerbianum)

The Red Venom Geweihschnecke is a striking horned nerite sold for freshwater aquariums. Its dark shell, red-orange bands and small projections make it distinctive, although trade names and shell patterns can overlap among Clithon species. It is mainly a grazer of algae and biofilm, is generally safe with healthy plants, and usually cannot establish a self-sustaining population in freshwater because its larvae require different conditions.
Geweihschnecke Volcano Red (Clithon sowerbianum)

The Volcano Red Geweihschnecke is a small freshwater nerite-type snail sold under the scientific name Clithon sowerbianum. Its shell commonly shows red, orange, brown, and dark patterns, with horn-like projections in some individuals. It grazes algae and biofilm from hard surfaces without normally damaging healthy plants. Identification and the exact validity or spelling of the supplied scientific name should be treated with some caution because aquarium trade names and Clithon nomenclature are not always used consistently.
Yellow Baby Poso Snail, Tylomelania sp.

The Yellow Baby Poso Snail is a juvenile Tylomelania identified in the trade as Tylomelania sp. Its yellow to golden body contrasts with a dark, strongly ribbed shell. The “Poso” name suggests a Sulawesi lake lineage, but the exact species and locality cannot be confirmed from the supplied trade name or photographs alone. This is a freshwater snail for warm, mineral-rich aquariums and should be kept with peaceful tank mates that will not damage its soft body or feelers.
Gelbe Rennschnecke (Vittina waigiensis)

Vittina waigiensis is a nerite snail kept for grazing algae and biofilm on aquarium glass, rocks and hardscape. Its rounded shell may show yellow, orange or reddish tones with dark markings, but commercial names are not always applied consistently. Identification from photographs alone can be uncertain, so shell pattern should be checked against a reliable taxonomic reference. Adults are generally peaceful and do not normally damage healthy aquarium plants.
Devil's Thorn Snail (Faunus ater)

Faunus ater is a large, elongated pachychilid snail from tropical Indo-West Pacific waters. It is associated with freshwater streams, rivers and estuarine habitats, and aquarium specimens are often kept in freshwater or mildly brackish conditions. Its dark, banded or reddish-brown shell is distinctive, although identification from photographs alone can be uncertain. It is generally peaceful, plant-safe and slow to reproduce in typical freshwater aquaria.
Deadpool Rennschnecke (Vittina waigiensis)

Vittina waigiensis is a nerite snail sold in the aquarium trade under names such as Deadpool Rennschnecke, usually referring to a striking red shell with dark patterning. It is a peaceful algae grazer that generally leaves healthy plants alone. Adults can live in freshwater aquariums, but successful reproduction requires brackish or marine conditions during the larval stage. The trade name and shell pattern are not sufficient for absolute identification, so the species assignment should be treated as provisional unless confirmed by specialist examination.
Cappuccino Snail (Faunus ater)

Faunus ater is a large pachychilid snail associated with tropical rivers, streams and estuarine environments across parts of the Indo-Pacific. Its dark, elongated shell commonly has reddish-brown, orange or pale bands toward the tip. In aquaria it is generally a peaceful grazer that feeds on algae, biofilm and sinking foods. Successful reproduction is unusual in ordinary freshwater tanks because its life cycle includes free-floating larvae requiring suitable water conditions.
Bubble snail (Physa sp.)

Bubble snails sold or observed under Physa sp. are small freshwater bladder snails commonly introduced with aquatic plants. They graze on algae, biofilm and soft organic residues, and usually leave healthy plants alone. Their rapid reproduction can make them conspicuous in well-fed aquariums. Exact species identification is uncertain from the supplied name and images, so care guidance is presented for Physa-type freshwater snails rather than a single confirmed species.
Brown Ramshorn Snail (Planorbella duryi duryi)

The brown ramshorn snail is a freshwater planorbid recognized by its flat, coiled shell and air-breathing habit. Planorbella duryi duryi is generally peaceful and useful as a scavenger, although it can reproduce rapidly when food is abundant. The supplied photographs show a brown ramshorn-like snail, but shell appearance alone cannot confirm the subspecies; this article follows the supplied identification while noting that limitation.
Blue Jelly Snail (Taia sp.)

The Blue Jelly snail, often associated with the genus Taia, is a striking freshwater gastropod known for its vibrant blue foot and patterned shell. While precise taxonomic classification remains subject to ongoing debate within the hobby, these snails are popular for their unique appearance and relatively peaceful temperament in community aquariums, making them a fascinating addition for dedicated invertebrate keepers.
Black Lace Snail (Melanoides maculata)

The Black Lace Snail, scientifically identified as Melanoides maculata, is a distinctive freshwater gastropod often appreciated for its elongated, turret-like shell. While taxonomy within the Thiaridae family can be complex and subject to revision, this species is noted for its dark, textured appearance. It is a hardy inhabitant suitable for various tropical aquarium setups, provided the substrate remains clean and oxygenated.