Snails from Local Waters?

[fio1022]

I was in Bayville this afternoon and these snails were everywhere.Was wondering if anyone can ID them and if they would be good or bad to add to my tank?

Right now I have them in a container with tank water.
Any input is appreciated.
Thanks

 

[sleezyp1]

They look to be a limpet. Although living naturally in most reef aquariums i belive these are more temperate water variety. Someone please correct me if i'm mistaken.

 

[Spracklcat]

Joe I think you're right--they look like the limpets we found last year at the Sept. collecting trip. Wait for Billsreef to chime in--he's the expert.

That said, there are temperate species of snails (I think they were Nassarius-like, again Bill will know) that you can safely put in your tank and that are plentiful around here.

 

[billsreef]

Yup, they are limpet. Common name is Slipper Limpet or just Slipper Shells. Scientific name is Crepidula fornicata, the species name as to do with the top limpet on a pile is male and all the ones under him are girls

I've often thrown rocks full of them in my sump to use as food, and they've stayed alive for months or untill I pop them off as fish food

 

[DgenR8]

What fish are eating them, and are you concerned about promoting the idea that snails are food? I don't want my fish to develop a taste for Mexican Turbos.

 

[fio1022]

Will they aid in algae control?
They don't seem to move much.If I try to remove them from the rocks,will they die?
Thanks for the replies...

 

[cb747]

Ive thrown the snails from local waters in my reef with no problems.

 

[DgenR8]

I have put a ton of local Nassarius in my tank, they don't seem to fare all that well, I suppose because of temperature.

 

[Paul B]

Those limpets will not help with algae control, as was said they rarely move. I have a bunch of ther local periwinkle snails in a tank for two years now and the temp in there now is 85 degrees. I sometimes throw a handful of them in my reef but the hermit crabs kill them. If you don't have hermit crabs they will live a few years. I can collect about 1000 of them in five minutes. I will be going out in an hour in my boat to a tidepool in Port Washington to do a little collecting. There are thousands of baby horseshoe crabs but I don't collect those. I just take shrimp, crabs, worms and amphipods. I will also take a few tiny fish and seaweed as food. Of course there are a bunch of people coming too and we will have a bunch of boats tying up with us so the main theme is partying.
Have a great day.
Paul

 

[DgenR8]

Enjoy the sunshine, Paul! Be prepared to protect yourself from it as well, it's going to be a HOT one today

 

[Paul B]

Larry thanks, I am out almost every day, I was out yesterday, the water is almost too warm.
Take care.
Paul

 

[cb747]

Paul take me with you! LOL

 

[Paul B]

Chris i just got back a minute ago, couldn't collect because it is high tide so I had to lay in the water and drink Champaign and eat shrimp all day. I really hate days like this. :lol:

 

[DgenR8]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7845754#post7845754 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Paul B
Chris i just got back a minute ago, couldn't collect because it is high tide so I had to lay in the water and drink Champaign and eat shrimp all day. I really hate days like this. :lol:

It's a rough life, but someone's gotta live it! :lmao:

 

[cb747]

Paul i dont know, you have it too tough! LOL I know you live for being out on the water. Glad you had a good time Youll have to stop by one of these days. Its been awhile!

 

[billsreef]

Paul,

That sounds rougher than my day at Splish Splash

 

[Paul B]

Yeah I know, theres only so much italian Champaign, shrimps and baked clams you can eat. The water is 79 degrees. Now if I can only get my wife to feed me gome grapes. :lol:
Paul