Pyrgiscus snails and clams

[jim norris]

Many years and many clams now finally I have come across these snails. My six line wrasses are sleeping when these snails feed. One of my 10 inch derasa has come down with these snails. So far the only cure is to remove them by hand. Has anybody found any other means to battle these snails?
Thanks
Jim

[MiNdErAsR]

I can't find any reference to Pyrgiscus spp. in any of my aquarium books. A search online did yield some sites focusing on shells, but really no useful info. Are you perhaps confusing them with Pyramidellidae?

http://users.rcn.com/jfox61/macro/pyramidelline1.jpg

http://users.rcn.com/jfox61/macro/pyramidelline2.jpg

Six line wrasses are reported as hit or miss on pyramid control. Daniel Knop recommends a juvenile Coris gaimard, however they must be removed by the time they start showing adult coloration.

Some people have also reported success with a Leopard wrasse Macropharyngodon meleagris, but they have a poor survival record in captivity.

Personally, I think diligent manual removal will be your best bet.

IMO, IME

[jim norris]

Jim,
Yes that is the snail I am dealing with! (good picture). So far the manual remove seems to be working ok.
Thanks
Jim

[DJREEF]

You may want to try one of those cheapa$$ yellow coris. Mine keeps my clams clean, but be warned they are a top pod predator. So if you don't have a refugium, or a ton of LR, do like minderaser said, and just pick them off by hand. Actually, after the lights go out, an unused toothbrush and a bucket of tank water works real well.


DJ
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[Gary Majchrzak]

I would not have a clam without a leopard wrasse,or Red-sea psuedochromis.These also help keep the bristleworm population down.

[MiNdErAsR]

Originally posted by Gary Majchrzak
I would not have a clam without a leopard wrasse,or Red-sea psuedochromis.These also help keep the bristleworm population down.

Now why would you want to keep the bristleworm population down?