Snail on foot of Crocea clam?
- Thread starter spoon671
- Start date
RicksReefs
New member
"Should I be worried?"
yes.
Pyramidellid Snails
These small parasitic snails are often found on Tridacnnid clams, and occasionally on other reef aquarium animals, such as snails. They reproduce well in aquaria and they can grow rapidly to reproductive size. In effect they can have very substantial population explosions if not kept in check or eradicated. In nature they are probably an irritant on their hosts, but in an aquarium they may become so abundant that they will kill their hosts: clams, snails or feather duster worms. Some fish, such as six-lined wrasses are said to eat them, but examination and manual removal, is often the best way to eliminate them. If your system gets infected by them, large numbers may be found and the potential hosts should be regularly checked and cleaned of the parasites.
from http://www.rshimek.com/mollusks.htm
yes.
Pyramidellid Snails
These small parasitic snails are often found on Tridacnnid clams, and occasionally on other reef aquarium animals, such as snails. They reproduce well in aquaria and they can grow rapidly to reproductive size. In effect they can have very substantial population explosions if not kept in check or eradicated. In nature they are probably an irritant on their hosts, but in an aquarium they may become so abundant that they will kill their hosts: clams, snails or feather duster worms. Some fish, such as six-lined wrasses are said to eat them, but examination and manual removal, is often the best way to eliminate them. If your system gets infected by them, large numbers may be found and the potential hosts should be regularly checked and cleaned of the parasites.
from http://www.rshimek.com/mollusks.htm
Hi,
Actually, no, this specimen belongs to the family Epitoniidae. They too are parasitic, but instead prefer anemones and corals. Your specimen appears to belong to the genus Opalia, which are usually preferential towards anemones. This genus is typically associated with temperate waters, though a few tropical species likely exist...would have to spend time on that.
Was this guy alive?
Here is a link that you should find of interest:
Gastropod Parasites and their Coral Hosts
Cheers,
Bob
Actually, no, this specimen belongs to the family Epitoniidae. They too are parasitic, but instead prefer anemones and corals. Your specimen appears to belong to the genus Opalia, which are usually preferential towards anemones. This genus is typically associated with temperate waters, though a few tropical species likely exist...would have to spend time on that.
Was this guy alive?
Here is a link that you should find of interest:
Gastropod Parasites and their Coral Hosts
Cheers,
Bob
Similar threads
