Snail ID ???? (pics)

[MeVsTheWorld]

OK, I bought this snail the other day. It was labeled as a Tonga, but I couldn't find one that looks like him anywhere. He has a 2" shell and foot that is almost 3" from what I have seen. He is a VERY hungry and fast snail. When I put chunks of shrimp in the tank he comes out like he's never ate before. I can make him chase the food all over the tank. I feed him on a wood dowel and once he grabs on look out. I have to twist and gently shake him to release the rod. He engulfs the shrimp and then burrows back under the sand. He only comes out when food is offered. So my question is, what kind of snail and will he prey on my fish? I took several shots of him chasing the food then taking it and diving for cover.

Hope you guys/girls can help. Thanks

 

[MeVsTheWorld]

I think I found it. Correct me if I'm wrong, but this is an olive snail.

 

[MeVsTheWorld]

Is this reef safe?

 

[pagojoe]

Yes, it's an Olive Snail, and looks to be Oliva sayana. Olives are mostly scavengers, but they can and do kill other other animals, particularly other snails. I've never kept that species, but I'd think it's likely they might eat other snails in your tank. Beyond that, they'd probably be considered technically reef safe.

http://www.gastropods.com/2/Shell_182.html

Cheers,



Don

 

[aentrop]

Is it not a nassarius?

 

[pagojoe]

Nope, it's an Olive.

 

[Flightpipe]

+1 Olive

Where did you get it?

 

[Falcn]

I have one too.
I once saw it battling with my 2" hermit for a slice of silverside. There was a tug of war with the snail pulling the crab down off the rocks.

They are very fast and emerge or erupt from the sand whenever food is dropped.

 

[serolis7]

+1 olive