Anentome helena aka Assassin Snails

[toddnbecka]

I'm considering getting a number of the critters to cut shipping cost. Anyone want to buy some for $4.50 each + shipping (priority or first class mail, your choice) just post the number you want in this thread until 8/17.
They will be available for shipment 9/1 to allow them time to eat (hoping I have enough other snails on hand) before being shipped again.

[Bk718]

any discounts on larger orders?? About what size will they be?

[toddnbecka]

Discounts would depend of the number wanted, but not for less than 50. Larger numbers of assassin snails would require me to buy more feeder snails to allow them a food break between transits.

[vampie]

This is probably a dumb question, but why should someone piggyback onto your order instead of buying it themselves?

[KIM_TMA]

This is probably a dumb question, but why should someone piggyback onto your order instead of buying it themselves?


Possible that seller is only selling in 50+ quantities.

Next is they are coming from across seas and probaly make an easier ship if they are together.

I have seen other snails that are sold in large qty and thought about getting but asking how many everybody wanted 1st. I thought was a great idea and opportunity for more ppl.

[247Plants]

This is probably a dumb question, but why should someone piggyback onto your order instead of buying it themselves?

Group buys make for much better pricing as you buy in bulk.

[vampie]

Since the OP is offering them for $4.50 and not a scaling price, I'd have to assume he/she isn't getting a discount. I suppose this does make sense if the snails are being shipped from overseas though.

[calivivarium1]

I'll take a pair

[saram521]

It's also possibly cheaper to buy from this person, seeing as how others might charge more. These snails aren't really being offered by many people to begin with, which makes this a good opp. to purchase them.

[austinpetemo]

what the heck is an assassin snail?

[toddnbecka]

This is probably a dumb question, but why should someone piggyback onto your order instead of buying it themselves?

Because this way you can buy a few w/out paying more for shipping than for the snails. I'm assuming most folks won't be wanting large numbers. I paid $30 + shipping for 4 from a seller in CA and only received 3. Apparently so did at least several other people who bought from him. :angryfire: I can't promise extra snails, but I CAN count. :drool: They are separate sexes but I have no clue how to sort out males from females. Just like with fish, it's best to get 5-6 to be sure of having both sexes for breeding.

[vampie]

I suppose you're ordering from overseas then? I don't see how having a middleman would save money on shipping any other way.

Good luck with it though, you seem to have a lot of potential buyers (I bumped across your posts on other forums). And let me know if you ever do find out how to sex them.

[toddnbecka]

I'll take a pair

So far the total (on this forum) is 2 snails. Overall total is 75.

[NeonFlux]

what the heck is an assassin snail?

A snail that eats snails. They don't eat their kind though. These guys eliminate persistent ramshorns that will eat your aquatic plants, pond snails, and etc. I don't know if they chomp down apple snails. I'll be getting 5 of these guys from another site. This topic creator could be the seller

[Keboss]

Well. I'ld like to have 6 them. By the looks of a couple of my tanks, they cann't get here quick enough!

[toddnbecka]

Current tally is now 97, I'm going to have to stock up on shipping boxes.

[NeonFlux]

Incredible...

[toddnbecka]

Current tally 134 and 10 more days to go.

[maxtran1]

i'll am interested in 5 of them

[toddnbecka]

The critters arrived today, most of them in a big pile in the styro cooler they were shipped in. There were a dozen small pastic containers, most of them empty, but with the lids still on. Maybe the snails got out then the lids snapped back into place in handling? In any case they're temporarily situated in a large plastic tub with fresh water, some sinking pellets, and a sponge filter. Some of them haven't stirred yet, most have moved around or at least poked out their heads, and a few seem to be eating the pellets.
I ordered 175 and received 2 extra, bless the selller's little pea-picking heart. It remains to be seen if there are any DOA's.

[vampie]

You might want to try feeding them something else if they're not apparently eating the pellets.

[calivivarium1]

ANyone want to give the OP 350 pond snails? ;)

[NeonFlux]

I'm waitin on them

[Just Prince]

If their are any extras, I am interested in purchasing a few.

[toddnbecka]

I got home from work a little while ago and did a complete water change in the tub. The water smelled as bad as the box when I first opened it. For some (unknown to me) reason there were apparently live plants similar to hornwort packed in the plastic containers, along with wet paper towels. Needless to say the plants didn't survive 2 weeks of total darkness, most were reduced to foul-smelling piles of brown mush. That's the smell I'm trying to get rid of with fresh water now. The bubbling airstone doesn't help the air quality in the room much...
It does look like most of them are alive, though not all of them are active. A fair number are just lying around, unlike the ones that have climbed the sides of the tub or scattered across the bottom. So far I've turned up one empty shell, and there are more than a dozen loose shell "doors" lying around the bottom.
As for the pellets, it's impossble to tell whether they ate any. The pellets have long since broken apart, and 95% of the debris was dumped with the old water. Word is the critters will the same things as other snails if there's no live prey available. I have a fair number of ramshorns and pond snails in a 10 gallon tank, but not enough to feed this crowd more than a single meal. I'll try some NLS pellets tomorrow.

[Arakkis]

Why did you seller ship them in water? Never ship snails in water. Next time tell them to ship them in wet newspaper.. They will last 10 times longer that way.

[toddnbecka]

The seller didn't ship them in water, they were (apparently at least) packed in plastic containers w/wet paper towels and live plants. For some reason they didn't stay in the containers, most were in a pile in the bottom of the large styro box the containers were packed in.
So far I've picked out 40 dead ones, and there are some others that don't look good. Picking out dead snails isn't much fun, but the smell is the worst part.

[oO.Crim.Oo]

The seller didn't ship them in water, they were (apparently at least) packed in plastic containers w/wet paper towels and live plants. For some reason they didn't stay in the containers, most were in a pile in the bottom of the large styro box the containers were packed in.
So far I've picked out 40 dead ones, and there are some others that don't look good. Picking out dead snails isn't much fun, but the smell is the worst part.

Wow, what a drag. Sorry to hear that. I hope the seller refunds what you paid for them.

[vampie]

Don't bother with pellets any longer. If you can't get them live snails, try using frozen bloodworms.

[toddnbecka]

Until I find out about replacements for the DOA's, the two folks who wanted 25/20 snails will be bumped back pending the second shipment. The few people who posted in this thread before the deadline will be first, send me a PM with your e-mail and shipping preference (going out next Monday), either Priority or First Class Mail. I'll tally up the totals and send paypal invoices after work tonight. Once the folks who hopped on before the deadline are taken care of, any extras will be available @$5 each.

[Sounguru]

I agree with Vampie try some meaty food and see what happens might help answer a couple of questions floating around about these guys.

[NeonFlux]

Or try some baby pond snails or any type of snail you can find

[toddnbecka]

I'll toss in a couple chunks of raw steak and see if they like that any better. Little or no apparent interest in NLS pellets. I could drop them all into the 10 gallon, but they'd clean it out overnight and be looking for more. Then it would be a hassle to get them back out for shipping...
I'm changing their water completely every 12 hours. If I could go out and collect a bucket full of pond snails I would, but I won't have enough free time for that until Sunday. I figured assassin snails would eat pellets; everything else does.

[Sounguru]

that is a question still not fully answered... but you seem to be finding out for us.

I have heard of live blackworms and frozen bloodworms will work.

[toddnbecka]

Unfortunately, I'm out of frozen bloodworms. Tried to pick some up last Monday, but the lfs was closed for the holiday. I do have frozen brine shrimp on hand. I'm seeing a few (5) showing interest in the beef. If I had any frozen fish on hand I'd try that, will grab some tomorrow if the steak isn't to their taste.

[toddnbecka]

They have shown more interest in algae wafers than anything else I've tried so far, it looked like most of them had migrated overnight to the 4 I dropped in the tub. I'm glad they like those better, the steak had fouled the water...again. I'm still doing complete changes every 12 hours due to the number of the critters in the tub. The fresh water seem to keep them lively, or maybe it's just the twice-daily disturbance.

[NeonFlux]

They have shown more interest in algae wafers than anything else I've tried so far, it looked like most of them had migrated overnight to the 4 I dropped in the tub. I'm glad they like those better, the steak had fouled the water...again. I'm still doing complete changes every 12 hours due to the number of the critters in the tub. The fresh water seem to keep them lively, or maybe it's just the twice-daily disturbance.

Alright! Good, algae wafers work! :)

[toddnbecka]

Not a great pic, but that is a wee ramshorn front and center, hitching a ride on an apparent pair of assassin snails. :eek: (Like an ant on an anteater who's too busy to notice. :drool:) :headshake2:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/toddnbecka/Ornaments/P1020431.jpg

[NeonFlux]

Awesome picture todd

[toddnbecka]

The buggers really like frozen bloodworms, they nearly cleaned them up overnight.
Anyone else wanting assassin snails let me know, I'll be ordering any necessary extras with the reship of the DOA's this weekend. They should arrive ~9/25 (hopefully not late again, and with a better survival ratio.)

[fastang80]

Anyone else wanting assassin snails let me know, I'll be ordering any necessary extras with the reship of the DOA's this weekend. They should arrive ~9/25 (hopefully not late again, and with a better survival ratio.)

PM sent.

[NeonFlux]

Unfortunately mine all doa...

[Arakkis]

Where did you get them shipped from? should be able to get the transhipper to pay for a free batch for the improper packaging

[NeonFlux]

They all died from improper packing from the inside. Basically it was our fault (me and todd) for getting too much ideas for their nutrition during transition lol. Too much of the plants inside died and rottened, algae tabs inside the bag melted and contribute to ammonia, etc, so they all died, that's my assumption of how they all died... They arrived very early too! Well, 5 days.. fair enough it wasnt typically 7 or 12 days >_<

[Just Prince]

Where is Todd shipping from?

[toddnbecka]

Shipping from MD, 21502. The plants and algae wafer were included per request, I don't normally ship food w/anything. I also thought it would be better to wait a bit longer before shipping out since the snails had just arrived, but the OP was in a rush.

[Flaringshutter]

Just an FYI, snails should NEVER be shipped with food of any kind. In fact, before shipping snails should be taken off food for one day to purge their digestive systems. They will be fine for up to four or five days' transit without food. This applies to all snails.

[msjinkzd]

i agree

[Fordtrannyman]

Just an FYI, snails should NEVER be shipped with food of any kind. In fact, before shipping snails should be taken off food for one day to purge their digestive systems. They will be fine for up to four or five days' transit without food. This applies to all snails.

This applies to all Fauna and Inverts!

[NeonFlux]

Well, one mistake down for the count......¬_¬ is aquatic plants still a good excuse? lol

[Just Prince]

Shipping from MD, 21502. The plants and algae wafer were included per request, I don't normally ship food w/anything. I also thought it would be better to wait a bit longer before shipping out since the snails had just arrived, but the OP was in a rush.


I live in Waldorf, Southern Maryland, so I should be okay with the shipping. You see any Hell Benders up your way? Thats the only area of the state they are found in.

[toddnbecka]

Waldorf would be fine w/First Class shipping. I sent a package to Martinsburg, (WV) it arrived the following day shipped First Class. I've received word from a number of other folks that theirs arrived w/out any problems. Looks like the algae wafer was the culprit, though I also believe they should have been allowed a bit longer to feed and recover from the 2 weeks in transit to get to me.
I haven't seen a hellbender since elementary school days (too many years ago.) I do know a tiny mountain stream that has an incredible variety of other species though. Back when I was in college one of the professors at FSU made a collecting trip there after I told him about the site. He was very fortunate, found an albino mountain dusky along with nearly a dozen other species.

[Arakkis]

Hrm.. They should have been packed in wet newspaper, they should last 10 days in that state with few problems. No plants should be used as plants will use oxygen when in the dark. That many snails should have been express mailed at the very least.

[toddnbecka]

The plants using O2 isn't a problem with breather bags. Express shipping would be quite expensive. I didn't think too many folks would want/need (or be willing to pay for it) for snails.

[toddnbecka]

The reship order will be placed this Saturday, I'm expecting them to ship out on Monday. Post the number you want so I can tally up the additions, and I'll be ordering some extras as well. I expect more DOA's, just hoping not as bad as the first round.
Price is $5/each + shipping ($7/Priority Mail, $3/First Class. Express Mail is available for anyone who wants it.)
Once again, I won't send invoices until they arrive and I see how many made it alive. They will be held for at least several days to feed and recover before being shipped out.

[Flaringshutter]

Hrm.. They should have been packed in wet newspaper, they should last 10 days in that state with few problems. No plants should be used as plants will use oxygen when in the dark. That many snails should have been express mailed at the very least.

I would hesitate to pack snails in newspaper since many papers still use highly acidic paper and toxic inks. Some papers have switched over to soy-based inks, but the paper is still acidic. This is why your newspapers yellow after only a day or two outside.
Instead, I suggest wet paper towels. The idea is the same, but the acids in newsprint worry me. I totally agree with the rest of your comment! :)

[NeonFlux]

Interesting.

[maxtran1]

I got my 5 snails a couple weeks back. They were in a bag with a mixture of plants and water. I threw them in my tank and it took them 30 minutes to come out of their shells. I came home today to see some weird egg like things on my sponge filter and plants, about 30+ of them, and was wondering what does the eggs of the assassin snails look like? Also do they really eat snails? Has anyone seen them in action? cuz i have seen empty shells in my tank but it could be because the pond snails died. Anyway thanks for the snails, they are doing great

[toddnbecka]

Assassin snail eggs are tiny, laid singly rather than in clumps like pond snails. They take several weeks to hatch. You can be sure the empty shells are from the assassins eating them, not because they died of "natural causes".
Here's a link to a pic of assassin snail eggs: http://forums.loaches.com/viewtopic.php?t=14378

[maxtran1]

thanks, looks like i will be have 30 assassin babies in the tank. Awesome!!!!

[Sounguru]

Umm Todd a better lnk to assassin sanil eggs for the folks.:)

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=166310

[Arakkis]

Did planted tank pull your post also?

[toddnbecka]

Ya, they want me to become a supporting member with all the profit I'm making selling snails on their site. :headshake2: I told them I'd be happy to if I hadn't already lost my butt on the DOA's, much less made any money. The mod also flamed me for posting an update w/out responding to his message, in spite of the fact that I posted the update before I received any messages from anyone.

[toddnbecka]

Oops, lag = double post...

[Arakkis]

Yeah, they yanked my post too and I paid for the highest membership level

[toddnbecka]

Politics, I'm guessing the guys from the Invertz Factory complained that someone was stepping on their toes. I have no intention of selling more snails, but I would like to catch up with the folks who ordered for this round to recoup the money I put out on their behalf. I've had quite enough of the 25% DOA shipments; a $300 loss is more than a little painful.

[NeonFlux]

How are the snails farein ya Arakkis? They arrived already, right?

[Arakkis]

Yes, they have and are reacclimating in my tanks. They will go out on monday =)

I know he may have had something to do with it, but I will still compete with him. It's difficult to do business when someone is trying to play marionette but I've delt with this kind of attack before. He will not last in the business solely from his obvious lack correct information. Even some of his buyers are starting to doubt the info as they are learning that there is no literature that supports his claims but rather find the exact opposite.

I don't claim to know everything myself but I try to give the most exact information that I can find.

Anyhow Yadokari dropped by today and took a look at the stock. He was happy at what I had available.

Sorry about the post hi-jack but I felt like flaming...

[calivivarium1]

My trio of assassin snails arrived yesterday. They were given to my apt. manager who held them until this afternoon. All three are good lookin, with yellow/dark brown rings. When I released them into my paludarium after a drip acclimation all three quickly came out of their shells and began moving about the tank. Thanks!

[Yadokari]

The 5 snails you sent me have already laid so many eggs! I can't thank you enough for giving me 2 pairs out of those 5.

Thanks again! :-)

[NeonFlux]

The 5 snails you sent me have already laid so many eggs! I can't thank you enough for giving me 2 pairs out of those 5.

Thanks again! :-)

Kewl! Hopefully I'll get some as well

[toddnbecka]

Ya, it seems that the snails never read the part about laying one egg every 10 days. I suspect their reproductive rate is somewhat dependant on the available food supply the same as other snails, but they still lay smaller numbers of eggs in any case.
The war has begun, and the first troops are producing reinforcements for the eventual takeover of their ecological niche. (Drum and fife music as the snails march along on their single foot, accompanied by inaudible screams from the other snails.) :tombstone: :evil_lol:

[Just Prince]

What about the other snail orders? Are they coming through or do the people who want them need to find another source.

[Lupin]

The war has begun, and the first troops are producing reinforcements for the eventual takeover of their ecological niche. (Drum and fife music as the snails march along on their single foot, accompanied by inaudible screams from the other snails.) :tombstone: :evil_lol:
:rofl: :rofl:

[NeonFlux]

Ya, it seems that the snails never read the part about laying one egg every 10 days. I suspect their reproductive rate is somewhat dependant on the available food supply the same as other snails, but they still lay smaller numbers of eggs in any case.
The war has begun, and the first troops are producing reinforcements for the eventual takeover of their ecological niche. (Drum and fife music as the snails march along on their single foot, accompanied by inaudible screams from the other snails.) :tombstone: :evil_lol:
Lol Indeedy, deedy. Reminds me of old age of empire series lol. Produce some more barrack's spearmen! More swordsmen!

[toddnbecka]

What about the other snail orders? Are they coming through or do the people who want them need to find another source.

I have no way of accessing the list of names to contact the people who signed up for this shipment. For one of them I did have in my PM folder, but the rest would need to contact me, not likely w/out them knowing what the deal is. I did pay $20 for 1 year membership but I'm not a "powerseller", planning to continue selling snails, or becoming a sponsor of the forum simply because some jerk thinks he can blackmail me. I'll give them another day then submit a refund dispute through paypal and they can kiss my A**.

[Just Prince]

Well I'll take four snails.

[toddnbecka]

Send me a PM with your e-mail and I'll send you a paypal invoice.

[Arakkis]

They're a-holes about that. I'm glad I double posted and put both forums on a masterlist. They deleted mine so I can't even telly KyleT to get it back and I am a powerseller account there.

[toddnbecka]

Eh, maybe I'll try reposting the thread. I was under the impression it had been locked out, not deleted. What can they do, delete it again?

[Arakkis]

They might.. They had removed 2 assassin threads of mine. Though I do have 2 nerite posts. But curiously, the same day our threads were deleted Miliac's thread appeared.... coincidence?

[toddnbecka]

Is Milalic selling Assassin snails? I thought he was selling nerites.

[Arakkis]

I think he's searching for them, but I'm not tellin him where I got em. lol

[calivivarium1]

A lil update for ya, my snails have been busy and I now have at least 8 eggs!

[Just Prince]

Got my snails today everyone made it.