Snail ???

[JJ70]

I've notificed in the last week that I have hundreds of tiny snails in my tank. They are too small to get pictures but are the size of pin heads. Any ideas?

Thanks

 

[charlesr1958]

Are you sure they are snails? Do they move? if so, then without any details it would be hard to say anything other than they are snails. If they do not move, then they are most likely Pileolaria, a type of very small tube worm.

Chuck

 

[kmk2307]

If they are in fact motile snails they may be Collonista, Stomatella (http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rs/index.php) or a Columbellid (http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-07/rs/index.php).

HTH,
Kevin

 

[JJ70]

Definately move and look very much like the collonista with faint brown markings on the shell.

 

[charlesr1958]

If they are Collinista snails, then it doesnt surprise me that you have hundreds, they are very prolific, and being harmless grazers, they are sure to be of help. As they get larger, you can always take some out and pass them along to others.