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FAQs about Marine Snail Identification
14 Related Articles: Gastropods, Sea
Slugs, Mollusks, Abalone,
Related FAQs: Snail ID
1, Snail ID 2,
Snail ID 3,
Snail ID 4,
Snail ID 5, Snail ID 6,
Snail ID 7, Snail
ID 8, Snail
ID 9, Snail ID 10,
Snail ID 11,
Snail ID 12, Snail
ID 13, & Marine Snails 1, Marine
Snails 2, Marine Snails 3,
Invertebrate ID,
Snail Behavior, Snail
Selection, Snail Compatibility, Snail
Systems, Snail Feeding, Snail
Disease, Snail Reproduction, Mollusks, Sea
Slugs, Abalone,
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Worm living in clam... Vermetid
living on Tridacnid 5/4/08
Hey guys,
<Tom>
First, i
<... I>
just wanted to say i love this website. I use it to research everything
i see going on in my tank. It's always been extremely helpful.
Unfortunately, i couldn't find the answer to this and am hoping someone
can help.
<I'll try>
I just purchased what i was told to be a Tridacna Clam a few hours ago.
<Is>
When i got it home, about an hour after i placed the clam in my tank, I
noticed a worm coming out of the clam.
<I see... a Vermetid snail on the outside... end of the shell... is this
what you're referring to?>
I read that there are worms that can burrow it's way in, but the reason
i thought this is a different situation is that it looks as if the hole
that it enters is actually a hole that is part of the clam. It's as if
it's hole is a tunnel, and you can see it running down the clam. In the
picture, all you can see is the top of it's head and antennae,
everything below is actually part of the clam, not the worm.
Can someone help? Is this normal, is it a clam that should quickly be
quarantined and then returned to the LFS?
Thank you so much for your help!!!
Tom.
<Is a tubiculous snail... not to worry... not destructive,
deleterious... And even very interesting... See the family name on the
Net, WWM... Bob Fenner> |
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Black and yellow snail ID: Engina
(Pusiostoma) sp. - 5/2/08
Hi,
<Hi Johan>
Thanks for a very good web site!
<Thank you!>
I am wondering if you could help me ID this little snail (image
attached)?
<It certainly is a pretty little snail.>
The snail is approximately 1 cm in length and has a yellow base colour
with black bands. I tried to find something similar on the snail ID
pages but failed.
<It looks like one of several different species in the genus Engina,
also referred to as “Engina (Pusiostoma)” or just Pusiostoma in some
literature. They’re in the family Buccinidae (Whelks), otherwise known
as Bumble Bee snails. These snails are sometimes listed as omnivores,
but they’re actually predatory carnivores that eat worms, sandbed fauna,
sessile organisms and the occasional snail. They don’t eat algae.>
It's in QT for the moment, do you think it is reef safe?
<If you're asking whether it's safe around corals, likely so. Although
I’ve heard reports that Bumble Bee snails sometimes eat Zoanthids/other
polyps, those reports have only been through second-hand
information/rumors. I’ve never seen, or been able to confirm their
validity. The good news is that these snails generally stay fairly small
so if you have a large, mature system, one individual shouldn’t make too
much of a dent in the fauna (but I'd keep an eye on things anyway). If
however, it *is* a new system, or a small one, I’d definitely find the
snail another home - not within a refugium though! Please see the
following link for photos of various snail species within the genus
Engina (each photo is a link to more information and usually more
photos). Just bear in mind that these snails can vary quite a bit within
the same species, not just in color, but also in shape. It certainly
makes for a bit of a challenge! I’m hoping that since you have the snail
in a QT, you might be able to see structures on the shell a little
better than I can and that they will help you to confirm an ID.
http://www.gastropods.com/Taxon_pages/TN_Family_BUCCINIDAE_PISANIINAE.html
>
Thanks,
Johan Andersson
(Sorry, forgot to attach the image the first time...)
<No problem. Thanks for sending it along! Good luck with your little
snail. Take care, -Lynn>
Re: Black and yellow snail ID:
Engina (Pusiostoma) sp. - 5/2/08
Thanks a lot!
<You’re very welcome!>
It sure looks like the Engina histrio.
<I think so too.>
I have to get a camera with better macro, it sure is difficult to get
good pictures of these little critters...
<It can be a real headache but you did a good job with that little
snail!>
Johan Andersson
<Take care, -Lynn> |
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Mystery Snails/Slugs? Stomatella
sp. 4/19/08
Hi,
<Hi Sharon!>
I have found your forums really useful in the first few months of
setting up my first marine aquarium, thank you.
<It's our pleasure, and by the way, welcome to the world of marine
aquaria!>
I wonder if you would be able to tell me what species (I think a slug or
snail) are in the 2 enclosed photos please and are they one and the
same?
<Yes, they are. They’re both a common, harmless, herbivorous species in
the genus Stomatella. It looks like the individual in the second photo
either has the posterior end up its foot draw up, or has lost/dropped
it. They do this as a method of escaping predation much like lizards
detaching a portion of their tail (will regenerate). Please see this
link for more information, photos, and links:
http://bb.wetwebmedia.com/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=181>
We find something new in our tank every day, it's so interesting.
<Yes indeed, and it only gets more so with the passing of time!>
This morning was our day to find an Asterina star feeding on our glass.
<Yay!>
Thank you,
Sharon
<You're most welcome. Enjoy your new additions! -Lynn> |
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Pyramid snails on Cerith
Snails? 04/14/2008
Hello Guys,
<Howzit?>
I have a very successful, although unintentional, breeding program for Cerith
snails in my aquarium. For the last couple of weeks I have seen another variety
of snail riding along on many of them. They are small white snails that meet the
description of a Pyramid snail, and sometimes a Cerith will be carting around
two or three of them attached to the front portion of its shell.
I have Zoanthids and a clam that are all untouched and in perfect health, no
snails present. None of my corals have been touched in the least from what I can
see so far. I also breed Checkerboard Nerites and they are not bothered by them.
I understand that Pyramid snails are specific feeders, but are they this
specific? Is it possible I am seeing something other than Pyramid snails?
<Oh yes, of a certainty>
I am not noticing an increase in snail deaths in my aquarium at this time, as
judged by an increase in empty shells, but I have a couple of hundred Ceriths so
a small change would be difficult to detect. It's hard to tell an occupied shell
from an unoccupied one when there are so many of them.
If these do turn out to be Pyramid Snails that are specific to my Cerith snails
is there any way to get rid of them without harming the Ceriths?
<Mmm, not easily... but some small snail-eating fishes (e.g. wrasses, see WWM
re) might reduce and keep small snail numbers down...>
Hand removal is impossible, there are far too many of them. Never mind, I
already know the answer to that question :)
I have a 6-line wrasse, and maybe he is picking them off the clam but can't get
to the ones on the Ceriths, since they are primarily active after dark when the
wrasse is asleep?
<Maybe...>
I have seen these snails climb the glass on occasion, but it's not where I would
look for them first if I wanted to find one.
If a picture is important to you it would be easy to obtain one, if I knew how
to use the macro on my camera. I will figure it out if need be though, don't
hesitate to ask.
Thanks in advance,
Barbra
<If these small snails aren't causing direct trouble, I would ignore them...
there are MANY gastropod species... Most are not predaceous. Bob Fenner>
What Are
These Calcareous Discs On The Live Rock? ...Nerite Snail Egg Capsules
3/30/08
Hi Crew,
<Hi Tom, Mich here.>
Could you tell me what these small (1-2mm) gray/white discs are that are
growing all over our live rock?
<Yup.>
They're flat, hard, round plates and can easily be popped off intact,
not like the usual coralline algae I'm familiar with.
<They are Nerite snail egg casings. You can read more about them here:
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/sept2003/invert.htm >
The tank is about 130G and has been set up for 3+ years. Some of the
rock has been in use 6+ years, some less than 2 years. We run a Chaeto
fuge, calcium reactor, PhosBan reactor, EV180, 2x 250W Ushio 10K MH
lamps (10hrs/day) w/T5 actinic/blue. Good circulation, over 4000GPH
total from 2x SeaSwirls, 2x Koralia-type powerheads, and a chiller loop.
We keep mostly SPS up high, a few small Euphyllids placed low, and a
medium fish load. Water tests as follows:
80-81 deg F
SPG 1.026
dKH 10.9
Ca 425
Mg 1320
NO2, NO3, NH3 are all consistently zero
I scrubbed several rocks clean about 2 months ago but the discs are
regrowing. Seems strange that they just started showing up about a year
ago. They only grow on the live rock, while the walls and sides of the
tank grow lots of pink, purple, and maroon coralline. I'd rather have
the coralline cover the live rock...but mostly just these discs, alga,
and a little Cyano seem to grow well on the rocks.
<All very common.>
Thanks,
<Welcome! Mich>
Tom
Re: What Are These Calcareous
Discs On The Live Rock? ...Nerite Snail Egg – 04/1/08
Capsules
Thanks Mich,
<Hi Tom>
Let me provide a better description for you. I'm not sure these discs are egg
casings, at least they're nothing like other snail eggs we've seen come and go.
<No they are quite different than the gelatinous masses many other snails
produce.>
They look/feel like some kind of non-organic growth.
<Yes, they feel very tough, almost calcium like.>
They don't have the sesame seed shape of the Nerite egg capsules as described in
the linked article. These discs are flatter, thin, and brittle...a tiny,
plate-like, calcareous growth. Think of a miniature poker chip, but even thinner
and with a sharp edge. They're evenly spread over all areas of the live
rock...high, low, everywhere. They number in the thousands, not just tens or
hundreds.
<Yes. Your description/image appear to me to be consistent with Nerite eggs.>
We have mostly Astraea, Nassarius, and Ceriths. We do have a few Nerites and
Stomatellas that hitchhiked in, but not in large numbers. This morning I
couldn't find any Nerites at all. Wish I could get a better picture for you. Do
you still think these are produced by Nerites?
<Yes I do.>
Tom
<Cheers, Mich>
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Baby Snail
Question. Hey, I'm not a baby, I'm a Collonista! 3/30/08
Good day WWM,
<Hi Josie!>
I am writing to get an opinion on a baby snail that I discovered in my
tank this morning.
<It’s actually not a baby/juvenile, but rather a diminutive snail
species usually referred to as a Collonista, or Mini-Turbo snail.
They’re harmless and beneficial herbivores/grazers that are mostly
nocturnal, reproduce readily, stay small (usually around 3mm), and have
a characteristic pit in their operculum (trap door at the opening of a
snail). Color/pattern varies, with some being all white like yours,
while others are combinations of white with varying amounts of mottled
tan/brown/even pink markings.>
Currently, as far as snails go, I only have Nassarius, Fighting Conch,
and Margarita Snails and low and behold, I find a small, ¼?white snail
with 2 tentacles crawling on the glass this morning. I have done some
searching and found that Margarita Snails do not typically breed in
captivity;
<Not successfully, no. In addition, they’re unfortunately cooler water
species that live shortened lives in reef systems.>
..however, the shape of this baby is nowhere near the same as either the
Fighting Conch or the Nassarius Snails.
<Very true.>
I have not added anything new to my tank in about 3 or 4 months and the
tank is over 1.5
years old now.
<Because of their size and nocturnal nature, these little guys are often
overlooked.>
The shape is very similar to the Margarita. I have included a picture
although it's not the greatest as it's difficult to take good pictures
of the tank with the camera I have but it's the best I could do.
<That’s okay, I think we’re good to go! For more information, please see
the following links as well as WWM’s search engine using the term
“Collonista”:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/snailidf14.htm
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rs/index.php
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/WWMAdminSubWebIndex/question_page.htm >
Again, thank you so much for all the great information on WWM as it's
always my first stop for information!
Josie
<Mine too! Bob and the crew past and present have amassed a very
impressive amount of information here, and it just keeps growing! Take
care and enjoy those Collonistas, -Lynn> |
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Flatworm Or
Nudibranch... Or Maybe Not... (Not) – 03/28/08
Hello guys,
<<Adam>>
I have an interesting creature in my tank, I've read through the forums
and search across the Internet and I cannot get a positive ID on it
(Even checked the sea slug site you guys listed as a resource.).
<Okay>>
It resembles a Nudibranch, although the one picture I found of something
that resembles it, you guys ID'd it as a flat worm.
(http://www.wetwebmedia.com/fltwmid.htm, second picture from the top,
question titled Nudibranch or Flatworm.)
<<Mmm, not a good picture is it? Regardless…what you have is NOT a
flatworm>>
Flat worms are generally not as large as this animal is, or at least I
thought they weren't.
<<Some do get large>>
The guy is around 2 - 2.5" and only comes out at night, I have seen what
seems to be "antennae" protruding from it.
<<Yes>>
I tried several different ways of taking the shot, one strictly with
LED's, others with flashes and/or an LED flashlight. I have attached a
few shots.
<<I see them>>
One peculiar thing I witnessed last night was a split in the animals
back.
<<Hee-hee! A clue!>>
Down the center, which opened slightly and receded when I placed the
light over him. Any ideas?
<<Indeed…see below>>
I am at a loss and don't know whether to enjoy the little guy or eject
him. I monitored him for about an hour the other night when I saw him
open up down the middle and never really saw him feeding on anything and
he stays around a rock in the tank with Zoanthids, and a piece of orange
Monti. Only thing I could guess is filter feeding or feeding off the
worms and such in/on the rock.
Thanks again,
Adam
<<Well Adam, I’ve seen a couple of these before. What you have there is
Scutus antipodes (Black Limpet, Elephant Snail, etc.). The “split” you
saw is where the mantel parted (the mantel comes up from both sides to
cover the shell on the animals back). This critter is reputed by some to
be reef safe...others to be a Cnidarian muncher…but all seem to agree
it's a good algae grazer and a prolific breeder. Regards, EricR>>
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Re:
Yellowhead Jawfish... Horse Conch comp.
Thank you for the answers! I have to apologize again for asking so
many questions, I did find some more info and realized that some of them
probably shouldn't have been asked. It is just so overwhelming when you
have so many different questions and you are getting different
impressions from different sources.
<Focus... one thing... at a time>
I will definitely look into reading those books. I still haven't bought
the Jawfish, but he is still there so I have hope! I bought 20 lbs of
live sand and some live rock, and I'm letting everything cycle.
Hopefully all will be well before he is sold. I am also preparing myself
to part with one of the crabs so I can free up some more tank space for
him.
There is one question that you didn't answer in my last email, and it
was a pretty big concern of mine. Will the horse conch try to eat the
Jawfish when he (the conch) gets to be a few inches long?
<Shouldn't, no. Pleuroloca gigantea eats mainly other snails and
bivalves>
I have visions of the conch positioning himself over the jawfish's hole
and sticking his body down there to eat him... the way he does with the
snails he eats. I was able to get a better picture of the conch to send
to you; he wasn't being very photogenic last time. I'll attach a picture
of one of my marginellas, too. Thank you again for your time and
knowledge! :)
<Welcome! BobF> |
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Marine Snail
Identification: Likely Fighting Conch - 3/21/08
<Hi there, Steve>
Thanks for the site. and on to my question.
<Okay, let's get to it!>
I've had a snail in my tank since I started it back in April of last
year. I just had someone point out to me that they thought it was a
tulip snail
<Good news - it’s not!>
and that he would eat other inverts in the tank.
<Nope, they're safe.>
I browsed your Marine Snails FAQs and spotted something that sort of
matches my guy but not 100%. Can you give me your thoughts from the
photo??
<It looks to be a harmless/beneficial Strombid, likely Strombus alatus,
aka the “Fighting” Conch or similar. These are good sand stirrers and
mainly herbivorous, but may also take meatier fare.>
He has eye stalks and a large snout? that he pushes out whenever I see
him above the sand bed.
<That’s very typical of Fighting Conchs. Sometimes all you’ll see are
just the two eye stalks protruding out of the sand!>
He wasn't being helpful when I took the photo..
<Heheee! Isn’t that annoying!>
Most of the time he's digging around in the sand bed and will disappear
for weeks at a time.
<Also typical of Fighting Conchs.>
If he is in fact a Tulip Snail I have never seen him going after other
inverts. Is this something that will occur when he increases in size??
<Nope, this little guy won’t go after your other invertebrates/fishes -
even when he's not so little! Speaking of which, they get up to about 4"
or so in length. These Strombids do, however, need lots of open areas of
DSB to survive long term.>
He doesn't climb the live rock or tank sides. Just stays in the sand.
<Yep, again, that's typical for these. All in all, they're neat little
snails. Please see the following sites for photos and more information
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/gastroart2.htm
http://www.gastropods.com/9/Shell_1329.html (Strombus alatus)
http://www.pirx.com/gallery/mollusks >
Love the site and thanks for you thoughts..
Steve
<You’re most welcome! Take care, -Lynn> |
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Mystery Creature In My Reef?
Scutus - 3/11/08
<Hi Aaron>
I caught this guy in action last night and I've seen him from time to
time. One time I observed him on the glass and his mouth parts look just
like a snail's.
<Heeee – and for good reason! It *is* a snail/Gastropod!>
What is he?
<It appears to be a species of Scutus, aka a ”Shield Limpet”, in the
family Fissurellidae. This family also includes Keyhole and Slit
Limpets. It also looks a bit like a Chiton, but the two antennae rule
out that possibility.>
Is he some type of Nudibranch?
<No, although they’re often mistaken as such.>
Would he eat coral polyps?
<It’s possible. Scutus spp. are primarily herbivores, but reportedly may
also feed on coral tissue.>
Should I take him out of my reef?
<It's up to you. I don’t have any personal experience with these, but
most people seem to love them. Apparently they can be very beneficial
when it comes to grazing/removing algae.>
I have a 75 gallon reef tank with tons of live rock, Zoas, mushrooms,
leathers, and LPSs
corals.
<Heeeee! You can add Scutus to the list now as well!>
I've tried some of the more fleshy LPSs corals like open brains and
candy canes and they seemed to have their flesh devoured.
<Yikes! Although I’ve read cautionary statements regarding Scutus and
corals, I’ve yet to read any actual accounts of coral predation within
home aquaria.>
Other LPSs corals like frog spawns, torches, bubbles, and galaxia do
fine. Could this guy be the problem or is it more likely my flame angel?
<Hmmmm. While I can't rule out the Scutus, based on their popularity
with aquarists, it wouldn’t be my first choice of suspects. I’d be more
inclined to suspect the Flame Angel, possibly even a Tang, or
one/several of the other usual “picker” suspects (various crabs,
shrimps, etc.)>
The picture isn't the greatest, but it's the best I could get at night.
<Understandable! The good news is that I think we’re good to go. For
more information/photos, please see the following links:
http://www.seaslugforum.net/factsheet.cfm?base=scutus
http://www.poppe-images.com/images/search_results.php?category=Shells&family=FISSURELLIDAE
>
Thanks for your help!
<You’re very welcome! Take care, -Lynn>
Aaron Chandler |
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Sundial snail babies?
Hopefully harmless Collonista snails! 3/3/08
<Hi there.>
I recently found a few sundial snails in my tank.
<Yikes, hopefully not dining on your prized Zoanthids! Do you keep Zoanthids or
were these just incidental hitchhikers? Sundials only eat Palythoa and
Zoanthids, so unless you have those, they’ll simply die out. If you do have/keep
Zo's, definitely remove any Sundials you see.>
I now have many tiny, tiny snails I think could be their babies. Are there any
natural predators for these snails?
<I don’t know of any that prey exclusively on Heliacus/Sundials, but I’m sure
there are other predators that include them in their diet. Unfortunately, it’s
always possible that the predator(s) could have a taste for more than just
Sundials (as in other beneficial invertebrates)! Complicating matters is the
fact that Heliacus are mostly nocturnal. They’re able to hide very effectively
within Zoanthid colonies during the day when snail eating fishes are active.
Regarding those tiny snails, there’s a chance that they might not be juvenile
Sundials. There’s another very common snail in the genus Collonista (aka “mini
Turbos”) that has a similar appearance, but is a harmless herbivore/grazer.
They’re mostly nocturnal, reproduce readily, and stay small (usually around
3mm). Color/pattern varies, with some being all white, while others are
combinations of white with varying amounts of mottled tan/brown/even pink
markings. A sure fire way to differentiate Heliacus from Collonista is to grab a
magnifying glass and take a close look at the operculums (the “trap door” at the
opening of a snail). Heliacus have conical/pagoda shaped operculums while
Collonista’s are relatively flat with a characteristic pit in the center.
Basically, if it’s pointed, it’s a Sundial. If not, it’s likely a harmless
Collonista. I’m hoping that you have the latter! Please see the following links
for comparison/more information:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/snailidf14.htm (Collonista snails)
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rs/index.php (Collonista - operculum
shown)
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/snailidf13.htm (Heliacus - see pointed operculum in
photos about halfway down the page)
I’ve got my fingers crossed for you! Take care, -Lynn>
What a
surprise...but what is it? Looks like snail eggs! 2/2/08
Hello WWW Crew,
<Hi there, Pat.>
Thanks for your site! I have learned a lot from reading your answers and
articles.
<Excellent!>
Starting a reef tank has been one heck of a learning experience and even
after ~2 years I am still finding new things in my own tank and I have
no idea what they are!
<Heheeee! Isn't it amazing the things that can crawl out of a rock!>
It has led me to purchase a microscope to examine things in new detail,
some pictures which I have included.
<Neat! Opens up a whole new world, doesn’t it!>
My question is I found about a dozen egg sacks on the inside of the
cover of my MJ. They are a little larger than a BB and have some white
things eggs in each one and in this one it looks like they are alive and
moving. The only opening in the MJ is the two small holes ~1/8", and the
sacks are larger than the holes. Do you know what they are? I am
thinking amphipod eggs.
<Nope, not amphipod eggs. The females carry the fertilized eggs in a
brood pouch until they’re ready to hatch. What you have looks very much
like snail eggs, but I'd love to know how they got there!>
In the first picture there is a copepod in the upper right to give you
an idea of size.
<Thanks.>
In the second, just below center is what I think is a partially
developed pod. It is upright with a black eye and a clear antenna and
darker body?
<I see that. Looks like a developing embryo – hard to tell what it is at
this point. Please see this link for photos/more information:
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-02/rs/index.php.>
I guess I can always wait and see if they develop more.
<Yes please, and document as much as you can! I’d love to see the
progression/development!>
Both pictures are in the following link:
http://cmas-md.org/forums/showthread.php?p=305826#post305826
Please feel free to download the pictures from the link to post, I have
had problem with sending you e-mails with attachments.
<Ok, thanks.>
Thanks for your time,
Pat
<You’re very welcome! Take care. –Lynn> |
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Snail
Identification: Likely Horse Conch - 2/2/08
Hi all,
<Hi Jenn!>
Just a quick thank you for all the information and first hand knowledge
you provide to SW hobbyists!
<You’re very welcome! It’s a pleasure!>
I have searched your site for the answer to what type of snails we have
in our 75 gallon reef tank. We bought them not long after we started our
tank, a little over a year ago. They are pink bodied. They do not seem
to be aggressive on algae or other waste. I am also including a few
pictures of the snails for identification.
<Thank you for sending multiple angles by the way, that really helps.
Your snail looks like what’s commonly called a Horse Conch, which is in
the family: Fasciolariidae. The snails in this family are predatory
towards other molluscs and will scavenge dead or dying organisms. Have
you noticed any other snails missing? Horse conchs (likely yours is in
the genus Pleuroploca/Triplofuscus) range in soft body color from orange
to a dark red. Please see the snail at this link, just past halfway down
(Florida Horse Conch) for comparison:
http://h2ocreatures.com/mollusks.html .>
We are looking to continue to build our reef with additional LR and also
want to get a hardworking cleanup crew. Suggestions would be great.
<Sorry, would need to know what other livestock you have, what type of
clean-up you need.>
Thanks for your help!
Jenn H Central PA
<You’re very welcome! Take care. –Lynn> |
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Mystery Marine Eggs,
Likely Snails – 1/29/08
Hi everyone,
<Hi Rochelle.>
Have some mystery eggs here I hope you can tell me what they are. No one
is guarding them or tending to them (so far, it’s been 3 hours) so I am
unable to figure it out. Here are the possibilities… I have … 3 Percula
clownfish, (but when I looked up their eggs, it showed them yellow then
turning to orange/red as they develop) I was rather hoping they were
clownfish. I have 2 mated 3 strip damsels, BUT.. the male is currently
tending to his own eggs on the opposite side of the tank, so that can’t
be it.
<Correct. Neither of these species lay/deposit eggs in strands.>
1 magenta dotty back, she has her own private cave. If they were hers
you’d think she would’ve laid them in there, not on a rock outside. 1
Hawkfish, I think he’s a male and wouldn’t have laid eggs out in the
open if he was female. 1 chromis damsel, 1 mandarin goby, 1 clown goby
and some pink foot snails. I don’t think it was the snails, they weren’t
in the area at the time the eggs “appeared”.
<Heeee! They’re sneaky that way. I don’t know what species the “pink
foot snail” is, but that egg strand looks like it came from either a
snail or Nudibranch of some sort.>
I do have some crabs, blue legs, a sally and a hermit, but that can’t be
right, crabs don’t lay eggs like that do they?
<No, they don’t.>
When I looked up the different fish I have, and what their eggs look
like, my eggs don’t look like any of them. So do you think they are
clownfish?
<Alas, no. It's more than likely a "snail trail".>
If so I’d like to move them to my nursery tank (already to go with micro
food stuffs). If you think they belong to any other fish I’ll leave them
be. Due to them not having a mate to fertilize them.
<That's how I'd handle these - leave them and let “nature” take its
course.>
Thanks in advance,
Rochelle
<You're very welcome. Take care. -Lynn> |
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New Tank Issues, Snail ID -
Collonista sp? 1/15/08
Hello,
<Hello there, EA! LZ here today.>
My husband and I recently purchased and set up a reef tank (29 gallon BioCube)
about a week ago. <Congratulations!> We purchased a large amount of live rock
the day we purchased the entire set up, but nothing seems to be living on that
bunch of rock.
<Yet!> However, two days ago we purchased a large (7lb) solid piece of Fiji live
rock. After two days, we have 2 fans, 2 groups of white star polyps, a
Stomatella, a small bristle worm, and 4-5 extremely tiny snails, which we cannot
seem to identify. The snails are about 2-3mm in size, iridescent white with tiny
orange spots, with circular shells like regular garden snail shells. We've
searched the internet and your site for hours and cannot find any
pictures/articles that identify our tiny snails. I would send a picture, but the
snails are so small that they only show up as microscopic white specks. Do you
have any idea as to what kind of juvenile snails these might be?
<If they're mobile, they sound a lot like Collonista sp. snails, aka “Mini
Turbos”. They’re extremely common, harmless/beneficial grazers, mostly
nocturnal, small (max out at ~1/4”, but most are around 3mm), that make a
terrific addition to a reef tank. Color/pattern varies, with some being all
white, while others are combinations of white with varying amounts of mottled
tan/brown/even pink markings. Please see these links for more information and
confirmation (about 2/3 way down the page at the first link):
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rs/index.php
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/snailidf14.htm .
If what you're seeing are small stationary white coils (possibly the orange
specks are incidental), then those are likely Spirorbids (tiny/harmless feather
dusters).
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/featheridfaqs.htm.>
Also, we have a large amount of algae (brown diatomaceous) building up on the
1st bunch of live rock and are looking to purchase a "clean-up crew." Tank stats
are as follows: pH: 8.2-8.4, nitrite, nitrate, ammonia: 0 by our test scale.
<I’d wait. The appearance of diatoms is all very normal in a new tank. It's just
too early in the cycling process to add anything. Also, when your tank is
completely cycled, be sure to add livestock in slow/small increments. Please see
these links for more information:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/brownalgcontfaqs.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marsetupii.htm .>
We were contemplating an Arrow crab, Emerald crab, hermit crabs and/or shrimp.
Considering the critters already housing themselves in our tank, what would you
recommend?
<Once your tank cycles completely, you could add a Cleaner Shrimp – something
like a Lysmata amboinensis, or Lysmata grabhami. I love these little guys.
They're well behaved, hardy, beautiful, and make great additions. I’d stay away
from any crabs. They tend to be pickers, and not too picky about what they pick
at, or eat! Hermits can be interesting as well, but you have to make sure you
get the best species for your tank. Some get pretty large, and even the small
ones can pose a risk to snails, some corals. It just depends on what you’d like
to ultimately have/keep in your tank. The most important thing to do is ask
questions and read, read, read! To that end, guess what? I’ve got more links for
you! Here are some regarding Lysmata Shrimp, crabs, and hermits:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/hippolytidae.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/arthropoda/crabs/swcrabs.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/arthropoda/crabs/hermitcrabs.htm .>
Thanks in advance,
EA
<You're very welcome! Take care -Lynn>
White spots... Alcyonacean
hlth., reading 1/14/08
Hello...again.
<Matt>
Could you possible identify two items for me? First on my live rock, round
circular spots have started to form. It has been a week and one or two form each
day. I do not believe they are eggs, but am unsure.
<Need a more highly resolved, closer up pic... could be algae, forams... maybe
Spirorbids...>
Second, my leather coral is developing white "marks" as well. I thought this to
bleaching, but again I am unsure. I will admit that my calcium was a bit high
(500ppm),
<This is more than a bit...>
but I did a water change and it is back in line (right at 400ppm). PH 8.2, Alk
2.5,
<A bit low...>
temp 78, almost undetectable nitrites and 0ppm phosphates.
<All life needs some phosphate>
If you have any thoughts, I am always willing to listen.
<And hopefully to read>
As always , thanks!
M
<Start here: http://wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/index.htm
Scroll down to Soft Corals, Health, Systems, more definitively for Alcyoniids...
BobF>
Re: White spots 1/14/08
Bob,
Thanks for the reply! Wanted to let you know I purchased the books you recommend
on corals! It is a great reference.
I believe I identified the small white spots appearing randomly in my tank. I
recently(two weeks ago) added 2 Nerite Snails to the tank. I believe the spots
which look like sesame seeds to be their eggs. I have seen pictures online and
they look just like them.
Could this be possible?
<Ah, yes. Certainly>
Thanks!
M
<Welcome. B>
What kinda
snail is this? 01/13/2008
<<Hello, Andrew here>>
I have hundreds of these little guys in my quarantine tank. I started
off with a couple and now they have really taken off. They seem to be
most active when the lights are out. during the day most off them burrow
into the substrate. and when lights go out, they clean the glass. very
small, the biggest ones are about the size of a chocolate chip
thanks for all the help!
<<They are Collonista SP snails. They are just algae grazers and will
cause no harm, you can always remove start removing some if you
experience plague proportions. They stay very small too.>>
<<Thanks for the question, A Nixon>> |
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No text?
1/8/08
<See... Stomatella... BobF> |
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Re: ? Snail ID ayer
1/9/08
Bob -
<Joel... Oh there you are!>
My apologies. I don't know what happened to the content and subject
line. I would not be so rude as to intentionally do such a thing. I
wrote an email describing my tank setup and how much you and your crew
have helped me get 6 months into the hobby with nary a problem that
wasn't foreseen. Thanks for the response to what my question was - "any
idea what these might be, perhaps some sort of Nudibranch?" I will read
up on Stomatella now. Thank you again.
Regards,
Joel Pippin
<Looked like S. varia to me. Cheers, BobF> |
Snail
ID/James' Input 1/6/08
Hi Bob/crew,
<Hi Sara>
One of my friends is asking me about this snail he found in his tank. It
definitely looks like a whelk or murex of some sort, but I wish I could
narrow it down more than that for him. The body coloration is not like
that of any other snail I've seen in an aquarium before (not that that
means much).
<Sara, this looks more like a Tulip Snail to me, no expert though. If
so, they are predatory, will feed on Astrea, Turbo, and other snails.>
Thanks,
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Sara-- |
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Snail
ID/Lynn's Input - 1/6/08
Hi Bob/crew,
<Hi Sara>
One of my friends is asking me about this snail he found in his
tank. It definitely looks like a whelk or murex of some sort,
but I wish I could narrow it down more than that for him.
<I’m in agreement with you and James. It does look like
something in the Buccinoidea (Whelks, Tulip Snails, etc), or
Muricoidea (Murex) superfamilies. I haven’t found an exact
match, but I do have some candidates that are similar.
Unfortunately, that’s about as close as I can get without a
super clear photo of the shell front and back, or knowing where
this little guy is from. Here you go:
http://www.conchology.be/en/availableshells/shellsforsaledetails.php?uniquenumber=164124#f
http://www.conchology.be/en/availableshells/shellsforsaledetails.php?uniquenumber=201755#f
http://www.gastropods.com/5/Shell_7095.html
http://www.conchology.be/en/availableshells/shellsforsaledetails.php?uniquenumber=370154#f
.>
The body coloration is not like that of any other snail I've
seen in an aquarium before (not that that means much).
<I have some photos of a Whelk hitchhiker from my tank
(Cantharus tinctus) with similar tissue coloration/markings (may
provide a clue):
http://wetwebfotos.com/usermedia/high/0/2470_50.jpg
The focus could be a lot better on the tissue here, but you get
the idea:
http://wetwebfotos.com/usermedia/high/0/2470_51.jpg .>
Thanks,
Sara
<You're very welcome! -Lynn> |
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Need an
ID on a snail: Collonista sp. - 1/5/08
WWM crew,
<Hi Nick.>
Good evening.
<And the same to you!>
I am trying to I.D. this snail. I cannot find anything that looks
like it any help would be appreciated. It is about the size of a pea
and is spherical. I only see them at night. There are about 3 that I
can tell.
<Looks like you’ve got a pretty little Collonista sp. snail there.
They’re terrific little grazers - mostly nocturnal, and top out
size-wise at about 1/4" (around 3mm or so is the norm). They vary in
color (brown/tan/white/even pink), and pattern, but all have a
distinctive pit in the center of the operculum. These snails do
reproduce in tanks, but rarely do the numbers get out of hand. One
thing I will mention is that there have been occasional reports of
them getting stuck/causing problems with equipment (intakes and
such). However, that same potential exists for just about any other
snail as well. I’ve never had a problem with these guys, but I have
with others. All in all, these are terrific little snails and a
great addition to a tank. Please see this link for more information
re: http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rs/index.php .>
Thanks in advance,
Nick
<You’re very welcome! Take care –Lynn> |
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That’s no
Nassarius! That’s a predatory Olive snail! – 12/24/07
Hey WWM crew.
<Hi there.>
I have been reading lots about identification of snails, and have
identified the snails that have been trolling my tank as cap snails.
<Neat. Stomatellids are terrific little grazers that make a nice
addition to a tank.>
Also have been reading on some other snails people have encountered
and found this one interesting. Attached below. I also bought 4 of
these snails at one time (sold as Nas)
<Ugh – don’t even get me started!>
and watched them eat one of my Astrea snails.
<Yep, what a shame. These Olive snails are beautiful, but are
predators/scavengers, and look nothing remotely like a Nassarius.
How they can be sold as such is beyond me.>
After hours of searching I found out what it was. I got rid of them
right away.
<Understandable – hopefully you educated the seller!>
Just saw a few people had questions and that you guys were unsure of
the identification. Lettered Olive Snail Oliva sayana
<Much appreciated! Here’s another photo of one, as well:
http://www.jaxshells.org/oliva.htm
Take care -Lynn> |
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Snail ID and
Mystery "Things" in Tank - 12/16/07
<Hi there. I sincerely apologize for the delay in answering!>
First, I have a massive population explosion of limpets and snails.
I have attached a picture of the snail. Hopefully you can help me ID
this sucker.
<Sure can! The little snails you’re seeing are Collonistas. They’re
harmless/beneficial grazers, vary in color (tan/brown and white,
white, even some pink and white), reproduce readily in our tanks,
and are mostly nocturnal. They also stay small, around 3-4mm. Please
see this link for more info/photos:
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rs/index.php>
The second is more complicated.
<Heee, I'll second that!>
About a 5-7 days ago I noticed a white web or cocoon type structure
in my life rock. The white material has since gone away and left
behind are these reddish pink multi-lobed balls with a bit of white
"fuzz". Could these be some kind of egg or something? I have
attached a pic?
<They don’t look like eggs. However, I need a bit more information
in order to narrow things down. Are these things hard, leathery, or
soft? Has there been any change in appearance since you first wrote
in? By the way, I couldn’t help but notice several fine examples of
“tree-like” white foraminiferans in your photo. Very pretty!>
Thanks
<You’re very welcome, and again, my apologies for the delay! -Lynn>
Re: Snail ID and
Mystery "Things" in Tank - 12/17/07
<Hello again!>
Thank you for the response.
<You're very welcome.>
I have taken a close look, and although they have been moved around
by the current, they seem to have attached themselves where they
lie. Not much has changed in their appearance with the exception of
a tiny bit more white fuzz on them.
<Would love to see a close-up of this!>
Could this have been a way that the pinkish-red structure on the
live rock, that they are sitting on in the pic, replicates itself?
<Wondered the same thing myself. Is that pinkish-red structure hard,
or soft (need to know same regarding the little nodules)? The larger
structure, at first glance, looks very much like a foraminiferan
(Homotrema rubrum). Problem is, after taking a close look at it, I
don’t see the typical white, hair-like, feeding structures. Another
possibility is that it’s a Rhodophyta (red algae) of some variety.
That’s why I need to know if it’s soft/flexible, or hard/stony
feeling.>
Size wise they are about the size of a pin head.
<Thanks. That’s a little smaller than I thought.>
I also have another potential issue. I have a Scopus Tang that seems
to be exhibiting some dark wear marks on its dorsal fin and tiny
"light colored" marks along either side near the upper part of it's
body. - seems to be acting fine but I am a little concerned. I have
tried to get a good pics but have been unsuccessful. I will keep
trying. Any thoughts?
<Unfortunately, this is out of my area of expertise. Please do try
to obtain a good photo and submit your query with as much
information as possible regarding tank size/parameters, whether fish
is still acting/feeding normally, what you feed it, how long you’ve
had it, other tankmates, etc.
Take care -Lynn> |
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Mr. limpet and the
Pyramids -12/15/2007
Hello crew,
I try to avoid asking questions and believe I have only asked 2 so far.
Usually I can find all my answers with research on your site and or others.
This one seems to allude me though. I have been running a 55g reef for 2
years now. The last year has been really great. Anyway this question doesn't
really pertain to lighting or water parameters so I will skip that this
time. I was doing some research on clams because some day I would like to
own one. I then stumbled across something called Pyramidellid snails. To my
amazement I have recently noticed these little guys before. They were on my
turbo snails!! After I found out what they were I promptly brushed them off
of my snails and waited for dark. ("the freaks come out at night") Here they
were by the hundreds! Now at this point according to my calculations manual
removal of such little creatures would take somewhere between 100 to
1,000,000 years. I also have hundreds of limpets that don't seem to bother
anything in my tank including the Montipora. Now here it is, will the
pyramidella's feed off of the limpets? Therefore removing the snails for a
long period off time to remove the pyramidella's food source thus starving
them to death would not work, correct? I also cannot use a six line wrasse
or other type to help control nor do I think a wrasse would work effectively
anyway. Any Ideas?
<Well, first things first... please make sure you have the "bad guys" before
you start to worry (or start killing them en mass). There are several
harmless/beneficial snails which look very similar. Please see here:
http://www.reefland.com/rho/2006/05/identify_rissoid_pyramidellid_snails.php>
I apologize for the incomplete e-mail.
<no worries>
Any help on this subject would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Nick
<De nada,
Sara M.> | |
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