cone snail?

[matter1331]

This guy was found at the store I work at. Everyone there was trying to tell me it was a big cowry, but I know better as I have a few cowries in my tanks. I'm convinced that it's a cone snail, but I don't know what kind. Anyone know what I've got here?

snail photos

 

[LeslieH]

Your co-workers are right. It's a cowry and harmless to humans. On the other hand many cowries eat soft corals. Some are herbivores or carnivores on other inverts.

 

[matter1331]

Leslie, not to doubt you, but I've never seen a cowry with a spiraled tip on the rear of the shell. Do you perhaps know which cowry it might be?

 

[LeslieH]

Feel free to doubt me, I'm a wormer not a sheller! :lol:

Do a google image search on "cowry". You'll find a lot of images which should help you decide. Keep in mind that juveniles often don't look like the adults until they reach a certain size.

 

[greenbean36191]

Yep, looks like a cowrie. All of them have the spiral protoconch as juveniles, but as they grow the body whorl usually covers it.

 

[dc]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8587941#post8587941 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by LeslieH
Feel free to doubt me, I'm a wormer not a sheller! :lol:

Do a google image search on "cowry". You'll find a lot of images which should help you decide. Keep in mind that juveniles often don't look like the adults until they reach a certain size.

Can we call you worm woman for short?

 

[LeslieH]

Worm girl, please! Old enough to know better, young enough to do it anyway is my motto! :lol:

 

[mrobbtx]

Yep....cowrie has my vote......LOL

 

[Ryanqk]

yeah it would be pretty dumb and probably illegal to sell a live cone snail to anyone considering how venomous they are.

 

[nts9]

looks like a chiton to me