Derasa clam eaten by snails

[Matt F]

Just got this clam around 3-4 inches last weekend has been doing fine all week long and earlier today it was closed up a little because a snail was on the top and went out for a few hours and came home to a clam dead and full of snails

Was wondering do these snails eat clams?

 

[Brad Miller]

Poor thing !

 

[KJ]

Was wondering do these snails eat clams?

Yes Whelk snails predatory on Clams and snails. Sorry for you lost

 

[Leslie Tabor]

Those look like nassarius snails, which would eat the clam once it has died. I don't think they would go after a healthy clam. There are definitely snails that would though. Clams are like anemones, they look fine, then they are dead. Sorry for your loss.

 

[KJ]

Look like whelk to me.

Those look like nassarius snails,

 

[KJ]

@DSC reef any Thoughts?

 

[KrisReef]

The snails won, clam zero. Sorry for your loss.

 

[DSC reef]

That's a bummer, sorry too see. That clam was healthy as you can see the new growth on the shell. I agree with whelks and they will decimate clams. Also, clams that are dying or not healthy will typically show signs as no shell growth, gaping, ect.

 

[4n2xtacy]

Sorry for your loss...those snails actually would munch on anything that's dead. I'm not sure they'll go after a life clam.

 

[DSC reef]

Those look like whelks so they will eat a healthy clam.

 

[hotashes]

What’s defining identity between whelk or nessarius snails?

Sorry for the loss,

A.

 

[DSC reef]

Heres a good read

http://www.melevsreef.com/articles/whelk-versus-nassarius

 

[Matt F]

Thanks to all

 

[Leslie Tabor]

What’s defining identity between whelk or nessarius snails?

Sorry for the loss,

A.

I am definitely interested, I have never heard of whelk snails.

 

[Leslie Tabor]

Heres a good read

http://www.melevsreef.com/articles/whelk-versus-nassarius

Well I'll be...these sound horrid!

 

[RunBikeSwim]

The whelk waited a week before eating the clam?
I vote Nassarius having a meal of a dying clam.

 

[hotashes]

dang I’ve got a whelk, ha the shell like feature on its rear and a darkened snout. That’s a close enough description for me to get rid.
A.

 

[DSC reef]

dang I’ve got a whelk, ha the shell like feature on its rear and a darkened snout. That’s a close enough description for me to get rid.
A.

Good idea. It can take a while for one to find the clam if there are other food sources. The clam pictured from the OP was in good health.