another id help

[ps3]

found several critters in my tank while feeding tonight that i have no idea when or where they came from. one is a snail of sorts and the other is a small star. i noticed several of the stars but only have removed one so far. would like to know weather they are safe or should be removed. thanks for any help in advance.

 

[rkb]

The first looks like a Cone Snail, if it is and I think it is, then you have a predatory snail that will feed on small inverts such as worm and perhaps other snails or you could have the variety that feeds on fish. Either way cone snails use a toxic harpoon that they stab their pray with, the toxin paralyzes the pray for easier consumption. Extreme caution is required when removing it from the tank as the toxic sting from some cones can be fatal.

The other is a common asterina star, some say they are harmless and a indication of a stable system. Just keep you eyes on them to ensure they don't take a liking to coral.

 

[ps3]

thanks, those were my first thoughts as well but this is the first time i have had to deal with either . i just wasnt confident enough not to ask.

 

[rkb]

I have never had a cone in a tank so one turning up is kind of cool. I learned about them back when I was scuba diving as one of the things to look at but don't touch. It could be fun to isolate it and see what it eats or to find out if it's the type that gives a wasp like sting or one of the scary killer cones!

 

[rkb]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcBKH7s4SVQ

 

[ps3]

i do have it isolated in a plastic container floating in my sump. not sure what im going to do with it.

 

[iamwhatiam52]

I'm not an expert, or even close, so my 2 cents is only worth half, but the snail does not look like any cone I've ever seen. I thought cones were flatish on the pointed end.

It looks sort of like an olive, but not quite.

 

[pagojoe]

There are some cone snails that look very similar, but this is a columbellid, or dove snail:

http://www.gastropods.com/3/Shell_3133.shtml

It should be pretty much harmless in your tank.

Cheers,



Don