Baby Snail - what kind?

[Nubomb]

Not the best pic.

 

[Nubomb]

 

[reef lover]

Possibly a whelk.will need better pics of underside. And closeup of snout and eyes.

 

[HOOPDEEZ]

I agree looks like it could be a whelk. I would isolate and take pics to get a positive ID

 

[Nubomb]

Crap. Doesn’t sound good. Are they nasty as babies or just when they get bigger?

 

[reef lover]

They feed off clams and other snails....

 

[eschaton]

Not every snail with a siphon like that is bad. Some of the mini-strombus look like that and are beneficial grazers.

I'd throw it into a sump chamber or something just to be safe though.

 

[Nubomb]

He finally emerged again and I got him.

 

[eschaton]

That absolutely looks like a mini-strombus to me. I just purchased some from Indo-Pacific Sea Farms, and they look identical.

The telltale to me though is your last shot. He's looks like he's trying to eat algae off the bottom of the plastic. That's grazing snail behavior. A predatory snail just sits tight or cruises looking for prey.

 

[minus9]

Strombus maculatus, great addition to your CUC and a keeper. These are my absolute favorite snail.

 

[minus9]

Their egg cases are clear, round and usually have three to six white specs. They'll lay eggs on the glass, powerheads, etc.

 

[minus9]

Whelks will have operculum on their foot and their snouts usually look tattooed/marbled.

 

[Nubomb]

Thanks all. Back in it goes.

 

[Phil D.]

Nassarius snail

 

[Phil D.]

is very good to stir sand and eat algae

 

[vetteguy53081]

Looks like nasssrius who burrow in the gravel during the day

 

[minus9]

I have two varieties of strombus and the one pictured is probably the most common one. They will readily reproduce and add to your CUC.

 

[Nubomb]

Haven’t seen any eggs yet but hope your right minus9. Thanks again.

 

[minus9]

Just give it some time, these guys are great! I'll post some pics of mine and maybe an egg case for reference.

 

[minus9]

Here's the most common variety that I see.

Sorry for the dark pic, but the one in the foreground I call the "blonde" variety. Their shells are usually a blonde or yellow color that's mostly solid, with a darker cone.
Both varieties can exhibit a clear or lighter colored foot and some will have a reddish hue.
All whelks will have a operculum, but nassarius, strombus and the like don't have that protection.
I have to flip out the cages on my gyres this weekend, so I should find some egg cases, then I'll post a pic.