Snail ID please

[Uncko Macko]

These snails are less than half an inch long. They move much faster than any snail I've ever seen. I'll try to get a video. Sorry for the algae on the glass. They where in the far rear corner and hard to get to.




<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/CUQMT4AkNi_Ym9r6W0-Hhm4yDQIYlBBgS9M031QhBew?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_xHX2dCPllcE/TXRnOogwFDI/AAAAAAAAAJA/QZHCBHN1EO4/s800/DSCF2533.jpg" height="599" width="800" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/110190357551303215357/Snail?authkey=Gv1sRgCL-v8LDIsuSjqgE&feat=embedwebsite">Snail</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/d2Ku3aDDpoODd5FGr7ztKG4yDQIYlBBgS9M031QhBew?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_xHX2dCPllcE/TXRnrNCmo5I/AAAAAAAAAJM/qZILZw_J3IE/s800/DSCF2535.JPG" height="451" width="800" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/110190357551303215357/Snail?authkey=Gv1sRgCL-v8LDIsuSjqgE&feat=embedwebsite">Snail</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/J3mjaKUBPKSIGa3-r1qdhm4yDQIYlBBgS9M031QhBew?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_xHX2dCPllcE/TXRnxWUTbuI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/sH9paT7s84Y/s800/DSCF2537.JPG" height="451" width="800" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/110190357551303215357/Snail?authkey=Gv1sRgCL-v8LDIsuSjqgE&feat=embedwebsite">Snail</a></td></tr></table>

 

[Uncko Macko]

You can click the pictures to open then in the Picasa folder and use the Zoom to get a better look.

 

[pagojoe]

They are little marginellids, Prunum apicinum. They mostly scavenge, but may kill and eat other tiny animals.

http://www.gastropods.com/7/Shell_1957.shtml

Cheers,



Don

 

[GerritM]

Hi Don!
Prunum is right, but this snail is an Prunum guttatum (White-spotted Marginella):

http://www.gastropods.com/6/Shell_1956.shtml

 

[Uncko Macko]

Are they venomous? I should probably remove them and save my worms, pods, etc...

 

[pagojoe]

No, not venomous. Perhaps Gerrit is right, although I've always considered the shorter, humped variants to be spotted P. apicinum. I've collected many of all the varieties, including the "typical" spotted, cylindrical P. guttatum, and the unspotted P. apicinum, as well as the snail that has the shape and size of P. apicinum but the spotting of P. guttatum. It could be that they are interbreeding, or either a spotted version of P. apicinum, or a short, humped variant of P. guttatum I guess ??? Thanks Gerritt.

Cheers,



Don

 

[GerritM]

Very difficult a correctly ID, with the images. How big were are this snail´s?
I know the P. apicinum only without the characteristic spots. Like this.
http://www.jaxshells.org/lur1ab.htm
But you Dan collected this both snail´s and could compare both live. I not. :wavehand:

 

[pagojoe]

Yes, I had never considered that the apicinum-shaped shells might be short guttatum, even with the white spots, until you pointed out that you considered them to be that species. I will ask Dr. Harry Lee or Bob Lipe, either of them should be able to give us a clear answer since they specialize in the area/family. Both species, along with Prunum carneum, occur together in the same areas, often under the same coral slab or rock.

Cheers,



Don

 

[Uncko Macko]

Less than half an inch. Do either of you want them? I can send them to you. I have found 4. They are funny to watch because they move so fast for a snail. But, I don't want them eating the good stuff!

 

[pagojoe]

I'm sure you'll have some volunteers on here to take them, but they probably won't do much damage if you keep them. I have seen them grab other tiny snails and apparently kill them, but I also know you can bait them with carrion.

As for the species name, after a little work I've verified that they are indeed P. apicinum. The short, humped shell is typical for the species, and since the shells are transparent, what appears to be white spotting is actually internal and not part of the shell. P. guttatum shows the white spots externally, is more elongate/cylindrical, and is more opaque, rarely showing details of the internal anatomy.

Cheers,



Don

 

[Uncko Macko]

Well, I am upgrading as we speak and will have a large fuge. These little speedy snails are fun to watch.

 

[GerritM]

Less than half an inch.

Ups, you postet that in your 1st post. Sorry.

Do either of you want them? I can send them to you.

In principle yes, but Germany is a little far away.

As for the species name, after a little work I've verified that they are indeed P. apicinum. The short, humped shell is typical for the species, and since the shells are transparent, what appears to be white spotting is actually internal and not part of the shell. P. guttatum shows the white spots externally, is more elongate/cylindrical, and is more opaque, rarely showing details of the internal anatomy.

I have searched a little further and came across this. Here are some pictures of live P. apicinum with the spot pattern.
http://z14.invisionfree.com/Conchologist_Forum/index.php?showtopic=456
Now, i know that too. Thanks for the information Don.