encrusted snail on the side of crocea

[commandertekki]

I think I'm going to have to get my digital camera from my bro for this.

It seems that there are three snail like creatures that are encrusted on the side of the clam. I never noticed it there before, but it looks alike a barnicle that you see form the ocean with a snail like figure protruding from it with a flat shield like shell on the snail-like figure.

Wonder if you have any opnions. I can't get it off as it is encrusted into the side of the clam, and has probably been there for since the clam built a very think shell encrusted around these three snail-like creatures.

 

[Safado]

I have a Vermetid gastropod snail attached to the side of one of my clams. I thought at first it was some type of tube worm until I did a bit of research.

Dosen't seem to bother the clam.

 

[commandertekki]

sweet

I've been trying to search for som pics on it. can't seem to find one. This will help narrow it.

thanks

 

[Safado]

Here's a pic of the type of snail attached to my Clam (not my pic, it's from a "hitchhiker" indentifacation site

 

[Safado]

hmmm, the pic didn't work

oh well, here is a link to the pic
http://www.reefs.org/hhfaq/pages/picture_pages/faq_vermetid.html

 

[Photon]

Tekki,
I have two of the same "things" on the side of one of my croceas. Have you ever seen them emit mucus? They seem to do that a lot.
I hope they aren't harmful.

 

[Safado]

They are harmless according the the HH fact page I found.

They emit mucus to capture detritus and plankton.

Go here and scrool down almost to the bottom of the page and you will find info on the Vermetid gastropod (this is what I have and sounds like what you're talking about).
http://www.reefs.org/hhfaq/pages/main_pages/faq_rock3.htm