Snail and worm ID? Pics inside.

[swegyptian]

I saw some new critters in my tank. I think I know what they are, but I want to be sure.

I think this is a whelk that should be removed. Is that right? What would they threaten in a typical reef tank? Also, I haven't added any rock or large coral frags in 2 years or so. I assume it's been in there the whole time, and I just haven't seen it. It was actually crawling around when the lights were on, which made me think that I should have spotted it some time ago.

And is this a peanut worm? It runs away very quickly from any kind of light. I think I have seen two in my tank that have this same striped pattern, and maybe three more that are more plain off-white. I think at least one of the white ones has some tentacles or something around its mouth. Do these guys move around? Or do they stay put in the rock? Also, if they don't move around, is it possible that I got these in some sort of larval form, and that's why I am just now noticing them in my tank? Or have they been there the whole time, and I more than likely just missed them?

Thanks for the help,
Alex

 

[pagojoe]

Yes, your snail is technically a whelk, although a single Engina specimen in your tank isn't going to do much damage. It will probably eat either worms or small snails, most likely small vermetid snails.

Worms are out of my league, so I'll defer to the wormy RC'ers.

Cheers,



Don

 

[swegyptian]

Thanks!

 

[charlesr1958]

Your worm appears to be a common Sipunculida spp. or commonly known as a peanut worm. A harmless member of your clean up crew. For more information please see the relevant section(s) within my hitch hiker pages.

A Hitch Hikers Guide to the Reefs

Chuck

 

[swegyptian]

Great site, thanks for the help.