LF Snail ID (Picture)

[FBNitro]

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/FBNitro/Eggs/photo#5188186863795570850"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/FBNitro/SAAkduTiCKI/AAAAAAAAAKw/TwM-6bOP_g0/s144/DSC02598.JPG" /></a>

I was buying some Nassarius snails and the store owner threw in an extra snail. Unfortunately, I have no idea what it is (neither did she, it wasn't something they 'ordered' put it that way).

Trying to figure out if I should put this guy into the refuge or if he's okay for the DT. Downside in the refuge is I can't see into it (HOB against a wall) so if he were to perish I would never know.

[seapug]

I'd put that guy in the fuge. It's definitely some kind of Nassarius, but might not be one of the kind you want. Some species are predatory.

[Crimthann]

wow that looks like some type of cone snail. they're predatory snails that eat fish, and one species of cone snail is one of the most poisonous animals alive.

[FBNitro]

Hope he's not poisonous... when I pulled him out of the bag I touched his body a bit (he didn't retract, maybe he can't?). I washed up after, but still...

[Crimthann]

they release the poison by means of a harpoon that is shot out of the "mouth". below is a picture of one but there are over 300 different species of them and it very much looks like yours.

<img src="http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/thumb/2/2b/250px-Conus-geographicus.jpg">

I honestly wouldn't take the chance and touch it, gloves or not. get rid of it, better safe than sorry.

[drillsar]

cone snails can bite and you will never know it, if it is get rid of it immediately.

[RicksReefs]

looks more like an olive snail to me.

[greenbean36191]

That's definitely not a cone. It's a marginellid. There are predators and scavengers in the group, so I'm not sure what to expect from this guy.

[ROB2005]

A cone snail has more brownish speckled and a fleshier foot. It's proboscis is more reddish in color and its shell is brightly colored and patterned.

[greenbean36191]

Cone snails are the biggest genus of marine inverts, so there's no way to tell one by color since it varies tremendously between species. You really just have to be familiar with your snails.

[FBNitro]

So what do you think Greenbean? Would it be okay to leave it in the refuge or should I completely remove it from the system?

[pagojoe]

As greenbean says, it's a marginellid, Prunum apicinum.

http://www.gastropods.com/7/Shell_1957.html

It may function as both a scavenger and a predator, but will only attack and kill other tiny animals in your tank, so you might not miss anything.

Cheers,


Don

[FBNitro]

Thanks Don!