It looks a little bit like a halimeda algae such as Halimeda opuntia but the color and sudden appearance probably discount this.


Alex

I wouldn't be too quick to identify an unknown hitchhiker snail as X. I have a wide variety of very small snails in my tank, in various shapes, sizes and colours, and they haven't grown at all. Unless the babies grow into the actual animal you believe they are, they probably aren't that. There are a bajillion types of snails, as evidenced by the list on http://www.gastropods.com.

So it looks like its an egg capsule .. from a whelk =( I guess that isnt a fighting conch in my tank after all !

So now, what do I do with a) the whelk, and b) the eggs.

Thanks,

Beth

I doubt thoes are certh but probably simular to the snails I have all over my tank. I can't recall the name now but I ID'ed them from one of the books I have at home so when I get there tomorrow I will post the name.

Steve

Don't Whelks prey upon shellfish?(clams,mussels,etc)

Jim

yes yes they do =) Isnt that lovely! I am trying to take a decent picture of him, just to make sure, just wish I had a better camera =(

Here are a couple pictures of the bad boy.

Can anyone put a positive ID on him?

http://www.canreef.com/photopost/dat...ch_02.jpg?3190
http://www.canreef.com/photopost/dat...ch_03.jpg?1794
http://www.canreef.com/photopost/dat...ch_04.jpg?8412

Could very well be a whelk. Tough to know for certain what type, might try http://www.gastropods.com. Some are algae eaters, some eat detritus/decaying organic matter, some eat live critters...

Well crap, I found one of those sitting right on top of one of my zoo colonies. Into the sump he went, right quick! Pretty weird behavior for a regular old snail. I think he must have been a hitchhiker or something.

Christy :)

Yup this sucker is heading back to the fish store PRONTO. Who the heck would sell this as a fighting conch GRRR serves me right for not bringing a picture book with me.

Anyone know how to remove the eggs?

Thanks,

Beth