Killer Snail

[delta]

Well my mysterious snail disapearances have been solved.
wouldn t beleive it it i hadn't seen it myself. thought at first it may be a mantis but the only thing was all the shells were left in tack clean as a whistle. so that left me wondering til today when i saw this one snail i got with the TBS package hunt down tackle and suck the astrea snail right outta its shell. well un able to catch him i waited it out for his next victim when i grabbed him but not before a few pics. the snail was an extra along with anemones and sponges wasnt sure what it was so i tossed it in well here s the pics

the chase
http://moosensquirrel.com/ipw-web/gallery/albums/Reef-Tank/DSC00758.sized.jpg

close ups
http://moosensquirrel.com/ipw-web/gallery/albums/Reef-Tank/DSC00761.sized.jpg

bad undersidepic hard to hold and take pics
http://moosensquirrel.com/ipw-web/gallery/albums/Reef-Tank/DSC00759.sized.jpg

Richard I thought you may have an idea as you sent it to me
any info would be great, i know its hard with the pics i have

but for now hes been banished to my sump

[docklink]

Red(ish) foot?

[delta]

more like a rusty colored foot but only on the underside the rest is white with black speckles

[hdtran]

Delta,

Try this link http://www.wetwebmedia.com/snailidfaqs.htm and search for 'murex' on that page...

[delta]

the pic of the murex looks real close and stated its preditor so looks like he needs to go he cleaned out half my snails about 30 :mad:

[8~LiQuiD~8]

Yes, it is an apple murex. It is preditory and unless you want it to munch all your snails, remove it. They are common to the area. I had one twice that size, still do, it is in it's own tank next to my mantis tank. They are really cool specimens.

[delta]

Thx everyone he banished for good

[docklink]

OT...
Delta, in the last 2 pictures, the coraline (I assume) in the background appears rather blue. Were they under actinics at the time or are they really that blue? Thanks.

Glad you were able to ID your the snail.

[delta]

docklink
Yes the tanks at the time was lit with 2-165w actinics at the time. it is actually purple coraline but it would be pretty wild if it were really that blue in color :)

[delta]

just be aware some of the things sent with TBS package may or may not be good for your tank i was sent as an extra in a separate bag (on purpose) a murex snail which devourered almost half of my astrea snails totalling about 30 before i got an id and removed it. it is a real cool specimen but not the way i would have liked to go :(
Dont get me wrong I love love My TBS package but this could have been avoided if your not sure about the identity of a particular critter dont wait to id like i did