snail without a shell

[frazier]

I have a hitch hicker snail that doesn';t have a shell... should I go to my LFS and get some and throw them in there for him or do they make their own in time?

 

[porksoda]

If i were you i would go to the LFS like you said and just ask for a empty shell a good LFS should give you one for free.

 

[LeslieH]

The only snails without shells are found among the opistobranchs, AKA sea slugs, although there are some snails whose shells are hidden by folds of skin. . No other kind of gastopod can exist without it's shell. Once removed they can't just go back in an empty shell. Why don't you post a picture so we can figure out what you really have?

 

[frazier]

I'll try to get a pic.... it looks just like a turbo but no shell...is the sea slug reef safe?

 

[LeslieH]

:lol: "Is the sea slug reef safe?"

There are thousands of different species. Some are herbivores & cherished for their ability to mow down problem algae, others are predators that drive reefers crazy . Some of the predators will eat a variety of worms & slugs while others are very specialized & will eat only a particular kind of sponge, tunicate, coral, etc. We'd have to see a pic to know which kind you've got.

 

[frazier]

just had my LFS look at one and he said it was a abalones. it has a shell but a small one....

 

[greenbean36191]

Abalone have really prominent shells. It's more likely you're seeing Stomatella.

 

[frazier]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8861889#post8861889 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by greenbean36191
Abalone have really prominent shells. It's more likely you're seeing Stomatella.

yeah,,,that's what it is... they are fast little suckers

http://www.reefcorner.com/SpecimenSheets/stomatella_varia.htm