large conch like snail attack crocea

[chwattscaw]

This morning, I found a large 1.5" brown, rough edged conch like snail attached to the side of a 5" crocea clam. He clearly had his probosis dipped over the edge of the clam shell and down into the clam itselve. I removed it from the clam, and the tank. Now the crocea will not open up, very pinched. It has been that way for 2 days, so I suspect this snail had visited him before.

I knew the snail was in the tank, would see him from time to time, but never saw him on the clams. Have never lost a clam, have two others that are not affected.

What was this snail doing, eating it, laying eggs? Will the clam recover?

Thanks,
Chris

 

[mbbuna]

HI Chris I found your snail posted reply on clams direct
Chris

 

[Dan D]

Hi Chris ,I had one that I just took out of my tank and threw into the sump today. I put in a new clam a few days ago and this thing attached itself to the shell of my clam and I ignored it for a few days, but this morning I noticed that it had made a perfectly small round hole into the clams shell!!! When I pulled it off the thing had made a second hole, I don't know what it was. The clam still has his mantel extended so I don't know how much damage was done, I'll just have to wait and see.
If anyone knows what these conch like things are please let us know.

Dan

" necessity s the mother of taking chances"

 

[mbbuna]

HI Chris I found your snail posted reply on clams direct
Chris

 

[AQUAN8TOR]

Sounds like some sort of Murex snail, which is a DEFINITE CLAM PREDATOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GET IT OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!1111