Need ID for green sun shaped snail

[kizanne]

I just received some live sand from Tampa Bay Saltwater for any guess should be residents of the gulf of mexico. This is aquacultured in you guessed it Tampa Bay.

I would love to know what it is since I received at least three of these in my live sand.

Honestly it could be something other than a snail but I'm guessing snail.

 

[Calappidae]

Astraea sp.?

I know some are sold as ninja star snails but being a hitchhiker I can't say for certain..

 

[kizanne]

I think you are the winner! I do believe they are in the astrea family. Thanks.

 

[pagojoe]

Yes, it's Astralium phoebium. They graze on algae that grows on the sand and seaweed.

http://www.jaxshells.org/star7.htm

Cheers,



Don