worms growning on side of crocea HELP

[whatcaneyedo]

I just noticed that there are 3 worms or something living on the side of my shell of my crocea clam. They seem to have tubes built into the side of the clams shell much like those christmas tree worms do in porites. One of them is up near the top of the clams shell and touches the mantle which the clam does not like so it retracts its mantle at that point. Does anyone know what these might be? It looks like I should get rid of them but I'd like to understand more first. I dont have time right now but I'll try to post a pic later.

 

[whatcaneyedo]

I tried to take a picture but I just got home from work (graveyard shift) and I couldnt get one clear enough so I'll try again when I wake up. The worms or whatever they are almost look like peanut worms except that they only come out a little ways. I looked elsewhere on the internet and found something about someone who sounds like he has the same thing on clamsdirect.com http://www.clamsdirect.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1776

 

[whatcaneyedo]

I just found some information and it might be what is called a vermetid snail... Says they are harmless but the thing is keeping my crocea from extending its mantle all of the way so I dont know if I agree with that. Maybe I'll plug its hole with epoxy.

 

[BLKTANG]

epoxy or super glue.

 

[ezcompany]

i have tons of those, never bothered my clam.

 

[cristhiam]

I usually just break them off.

 

[whatcaneyedo]

They're not growing upwards like all of the other types of vermetid snail in my tank which is odd. They grow flat to the side of the clam and and are pretty large relative to the other types I've seen. They dont seem to be bothering the clams mantle today so I'll leave them alone for now.