Nassarius or whelks???

[JPLoria116]

Hey guys, I just bought a new clam and decided I didn't want to chance these guys in the tank. Can anyone Id them for me??? They all look like whelks to me and the big leopard snail makes me nervous with my new clam. Thanks

 

[pagojoe]

They're all Nassarius species (several different ones) except for your "leopard snail." It's a Babylonia snail, and is a carnivore. They typically scavenge, but are occasionally accused of attacking clams, especially newly-introduced or stressed ones.

Cheers,



Don

 

[JPLoria116]

Thanks for the reply. So the small ones are not whelks, and will be fine with the clam?

 

[JPLoria116]

I've heard that certain nassarius species will also eat clams... From what I've read online

 

[Calappidae]

Just the large ones are a threat. The smaller nassarius are fine.

The babylonia you can pretty much compare it to a whelk, they're not relatives yet they have similar behavior.

correct me if I'm wrong..

 

[pagojoe]

Yeah, the small ones are generally fine. The Babylonia is actually a relative of the whelks, and was considered to be in the same family until recently, when it was split off into its own family. As Calap noted, the behavior is fairly similar, although they are more likely to scavenge than most true whelks.

Cheers,



Don

 

[JPLoria116]

Thanks for the information guys!

 

[Calappidae]

So close! Still learning my gastropods

 

[Betta132]

The leopard fella is beautiful... If he won't be staying in the tank, do re-home him or maybe put him in the sump.