Snails for a Seagrass Tanks

[Windy Miller]

Does anyone have any experience as to which algae eating snails are best to use within a display with seagrass?

A lot of the typical snails for sale in the UK listed for algae removal in a reef tank are actually collected from seagrass environments (and aren't particularly suited to the reef) but some of these also feed on the seagrass. Naturally this would be a bad thing.

I'm led to believe certain species only predate on the epiphytes on the grass rather than the grasses themselves. These would be ideal.

Open to suggestions of the best alternative algae clean up crews as well.

 

[pagojoe]

Most of the brackish/saltwater Neritina species would work (including those in the genera Vitta, Puperita, and Smaragdia) and most of the columbellids that are available would be good, too (the so-called "Strombus Grazers"). One other species that feeds on the epiphytes and crud that settles out of the water on the seagrass is Cerithium rostratum (the bottom pics show the species for sure, the rest may be a different species):

http://www.gastropods.com/5/Shell_6865.shtml

Cheers,



Don

 

[Windy Miller]

Most of the brackish/saltwater Neritina species would work (including those in the genera Vitta, Puperita, and Smaragdia) and most of the columbellids that are available would be good, too (the so-called "Strombus Grazers"). One other species that feeds on the epiphytes and crud that settles out of the water on the seagrass is Cerithium rostratum (the bottom pics show the species for sure, the rest may be a different species):

Many thanks for the reply Don.

The suggestion of a Strombus strongly ties in with my other research.

I'm a little concerned by adding Neritina sp. because some of my reading suggests they are intertidal in their behaviour and do not appreciate or do well in a fully submerged reef environment. I would appreciate any feedback from those that have kept these long term.

I will look into Cerithium rostratum and see if I can track down a UK supplier.

 

[pagojoe]

You're welcome. I didn't include the true Strombus species because many of them will also eat macroalgae (i.e., your seagrass) in addition to the associated epiphytic fauna. Some of the tiniest stombids like S. maculatus, S. wilsoni, and S. mutabilis might be fine, though. The "Strombus Grazers" often sold in the hobby may be the best option, since most of the available ones are the species that mainly feed on the films rather than the seagrass. They are actually Dove Shells, or columbellids, and aren't that closely related to the strombids.

Many nerites are unsuitable for your tank, but at least a few of the Neritina species would probably be OK. They might wander around the tank and spend time on the glass, but they can often be found submerged on seagrass in the wild.

I suspect there are other small and skinny ceriths that would fit your requirements, but most of the ones sold in the fish stores are rock-associated intertidal species. Cerithium rostratum is simply the only one of which I have firsthand knowledge that feeds on the the epiphytic films of seagrass.

Good luck!



Don

 

[Windy Miller]

Cheers again, I'll try and track down some maculatus and rostratum n the UK.

I've read in a few places that the Fighting Conch is a great addition because it will graze both on the leaf litter and pick epiphytes off the seagrass blades. According to reports, it should not feed on the living seagrass itself. The problem with these is that you can only really house a few in an average aquarium environment.

 

[Reefer577]

I've seen asterina, ninja star asterina, and cerith snails grazing on turtle grass when I've been snorkeling locally. Mind you they weren't eating the turtle grass, just eating the diatom algae, etc that was one the blades. You can also find cool encrusting tunicates growing in with the turtle grass.