nasa snails?

[chilyb56]

I have been looking at different snails that are sold by reeftopia - and have a question regarding the nasa snail -- "Formerly known as Nassarius obsoleta. Ilyanassa obsoleta. These are an all around snail that will eat detritus and some algae. 1/2 Inch."

Do these provide a different function than nassarius vibex - which mostly eat left over food? Are these recommended for the reef aquarium?

Also, does anyone have any info on the star snail... I'm guessing from the very short description on their website that these are similar to astae?

thanks!

 

[AdidaKev]

I'd stay away from Nassarius obsoleta. They are a intertidal species and will probably die in a reef aquarium.

 

[Paintbug]

theres so much debate with these snails. the obsoleta come from colder waters, they dont usually live as long in the warmer water of a reef tank. some clam they are preditory whelks. they are said to eat red slime algae, and unlike the vibex they will help keep the glass clean. they will eat detritus as well. they dont stay in the sand bed as much as the vibex will.

 

[chilyb56]

so the jury is out? Not necessarily fit to handle the temperature regime of the tropical reef, but an otherwise worthy snail... also maybe predatory to some extent.

 

[Paintbug]

like i said its still a debate. do some googling and do some research then make your own choice. theres people here that have kept them for years. others have had problems. i like the vibex because they stay in the sand. once in awhile they come out at night and are on the rocks and glass. they also come from warmer waters. they do an excellent job of eating left over foods.