My Latest Hitchhicker

[bob21115]

I picked up a few new corals today and when I was picking off the bad stuff and I thought this shell was stuck in the rock. I was wrong it was stuck on the rock the snail that lives in it was still in it. I have seen them empty before but not alive. If anyone has a ID that would be great. I havn't looked yet myself but I'll post it when I find it.

 

[bob21115]

I think its a Chicoreus sp. Its called a Murex snail and preys on other snails and whatever it can catch. I had lost many many snails, all had a small hole drilled in their shells

 

[bob21115]

Its not in my tank its in a bucket. I dont want to kill it. Anyone have a suggestion.

 

[Kiel'thalin]

Well, you have answered you own question that is a Murex It is a predatory snail and it's prey is other snails. I would not keep it, maybe trade it in at the LFS for another snail that would be beneficial to your tank. It is a very interesting find, I also have a empty Murex Shell that I put in my tank that my largest hermit crab took home to immediately. Good Luck.

 

[venwu225]

really nice animal, could I request it?