Astrea Snails

[phljess]

Has anyone ever heard of Astreas reproducing in an aquarium? I have been noticing quite a few new snails in my tank and they closely resemble astreas. When I first notice them they have about eight points on their shells at the base and have a star shape but as they mature these points start to disapear and their shells start to look more and more like astreas. I will try to take a few pics in the next few days.

 

[MattG]

I can't recall of ever hearing about Astraea snails reproducing in an aquarium. I wouldn't be surprised if they have, but it's certainly not common. I believe Astraea have a short lived larval stage where they do not feed so its certainly possible. The times i have seen people refer to seeing Astraea snails reproduce they are actually collonista snails.

What is the size of the adults?

Once you get pics you might hunt down Dr. Ron Shimek for a positive ID.

 

[phljess]

Here is a couple pis of a smaller one.
After they get bigger they lose theri points on their shells.

 

[Brock Fluharty]

Hmm...no expert here, but looks like an astrea one to me, especially if they lose the points. Just make sure they do not eat any of your SPS or anything.

 

[phljess]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8159063#post8159063 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Brock Fluharty
Hmm...no expert here, but looks like an astrea one to me, especially if they lose the points. Just make sure they do not eat any of your SPS or anything.

Thanks but I doubt these snails will kill my SPS. That is usually my job.:lol:

 

[Brock Fluharty]

Heh.