Snail ID

[LobsterOfJustice]

Can anyone ID this for me? It was collected in an inlet in southern NC.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/LobsterOfJustice/100_1481.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/LobsterOfJustice/100_1482.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/LobsterOfJustice/100_1483.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/LobsterOfJustice/100_1489.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/LobsterOfJustice/100_1485.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/LobsterOfJustice/100_1484.jpg

[pagojoe]

Ya, it's Cantharus tinctus, one of the classic "buccinid whelks." They are very cool snails, but you'll have to supply it with prey species if you want to keep it.

http://www.gastropods.com/8/Shell_3228.html

Some of the older references call it "Pisania tincta," so this name might help if you decide to research it a bit.

Cheers,



Don

[LobsterOfJustice]

Would 'prey species' be other snails? It was found in a location with tons of what I believe are Ilynassa obsoleta.

[pagojoe]

I've seen pics of them attacking larger snails, but I'm pretty sure they will eat Nassarius, too. They are also reported to feed on barnacles as well as oysters or clams. Ilyanassa may have some natural resistance to predation by these guys, since they occur in the same areas, but I think I'd try it and see if your Cantharus won't eat them?

Cheers,



Don