Can Assassin Snail and Tire Track Eel Live Together?

🔴Not Recommended

Assassin Snail and Tire Track Eel are not recommended as tank mates due to piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates.. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Assassin Snail

Clea helena

Tire Track Eel

Mastacembelus armatus

🐠Family Group
Assassin Snail
Invertebrates
Tire Track Eel
Oddballs
Temperament
Assassin Snail
Peaceful (2/10)
Tire Track Eel
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Assassin Snail
22–28°C
Tire Track Eel
22–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Assassin Snail
7–8
Tire Track Eel
6.5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Assassin Snail
8–15
Tire Track Eel
5–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Assassin Snail
Freshwater Only
Tire Track Eel
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Assassin Snail
Low
Tire Track Eel
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 816 L
Assassin Snail
10 L
Tire Track Eel
680 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Assassin Snail
Bottom
Tire Track Eel
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Assassin Snail
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Snail EaterDigger (Disturbs Substrate)
Tire Track Eel
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Jumper (Lid Required)NocturnalAggressive to same species/look-alikes

Behaviour & Temperament

Assassin Snail is a peaceful species (2/10), while Tire Track Eel is moderately assertive (6/10). This notable difference means Tire Track Eel may occasionally assert dominance over Assassin Snail.

Assassin Snail and Tire Track Eel both frequent the Bottom (Substrate) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

There is a critical concern: the Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk) behaviour of one fish directly conflicts with the Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish) trait of the other — piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates..

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.

Worth noting: Tire Track Eel is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters. Also, Tire Track Eel is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 22°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 8–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Assassin Snail and Tire Track Eel together, plan for an aquarium of at least 816 litres with a minimum length of 180 cm. This accounts for the larger species' space requirements with an additional 20 % buffer to reduce territorial tension.

Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Sand (Sifters), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with low (still water) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Diet & Feeding

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Tire Track Eel is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Assassin Snail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Assassin Snail and Tire Track Eel live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Assassin Snail and Tire Track Eel need?

A minimum of 816 litres (tank length at least 180 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.

What water temperature is best for Assassin Snail and Tire Track Eel together?

Keep the aquarium between 22°C and 28°C. A target of around 25.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Assassin Snail or Tire Track Eel aggressive?

Assassin Snail is peaceful (2/10) and Tire Track Eel is moderately assertive (6/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Assassin Snail and Tire Track Eel need?

Both species overlap in the 7–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Does Tire Track Eel being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Tire Track Eel is most active after lights-out, which naturally reduces daytime encounters with its tank mate. This can actually be beneficial, as both fish get undisturbed time to feed and explore. Just ensure food reaches Tire Track Eel during evening hours.


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