ID snail and growths

[Courtney13]

When purchasing live rock this snail was on the peice I recieved. Its body is bright yellow and black , turban snail shaped shell and is noticeably larger than any turban, sundial or turbo snail. I believe that he is in fact a she as she has little baby snails on her shell. Any insight would be appreciated.

 

[pagojoe]

Those are probably nerite eggs on the shell. The snail itself is either Tectus pyramis or Trochus niloticus, the two biggest species of Top Shell. If the base flares a little, and has red markings, it's T. niloticus. If it's mostly white on the bottom with little grooves, and brownish on the sides, it's T. pyramis. Both are algae grazers, but they both get pretty big, 4 or 5 inches is not rare.

Cheers,



Don

 

[Courtney13]

Thanks Don!! Much appreciated!

 

[pagojoe]

Welcome!