weird stomatella question

[Spiffyguy]

I found 2 stomatellas at MS today so I picked them up. I am up to 4 and expect the orgy to begin any day now. While the guy "captured" one of my prizes he exclaimed, " I think I borke it." upon inspection it did indeed look like he broke it. The back half of the snail was on one finger and the half with the shell was on another. Much to both our suprise the shell half started to make a getaway.

I said, " quick get the bag...it's coming right at us!" So he bagged both parts and I headed home. Well upon aclimating them, rather shortly wife wanted to head to the store, I noticed the back half was still moving. I gently pulled it out with some tweezers and it was still movin'? Even had antenna (sp?) looking things on the sides. I hollered, "It's coming right at us!" and tossed it in the tank and headed to the store.

So the question is do stomatella's have the ability to loose the back half of their foot as a defense mechanism? Upon returning from the store I could not find the "tail" but I did find the snail. he was crusing around like nothing happened. He took one look at me and I hollered," It's coming right at us."

Thanks

 

[Letmegrow]

Yes they do.

The also have side antennae for feeling.

Good observation.

 

[Spiffyguy]

dude that is totally cool. I was checking out one eariler and saw the side tentacles. I assume that this part of the foot will just grow back. He certainly retained the speed even with half a foot.

 

[levon15]

I really think thses guys are really sweet.

are they hard to find in stores ?

 

[Spiffyguy]

I have never seen them advertised in a store or in a plentiful amount like other snails. Over the past few months I have 4 at Marine Solutions and usually the work did not know they were in the tank. Have too look closely. You can buy them online, http://www.ipsf.com/ has them I think