Nassarius or Whelk

[Cesar Romero]

Hey guys after reading the article on Melev’s I’m finding trouble identifying this snail. How much “tattooed” is looked for in identifying the two? Is it that Nassarius have no spots at all? Also I thought Nassarius snails also had a protective shell on there tail, so is there a difference to that on the whelks? Thanks for the help!

 

[James M]

Pics ?

 

[Cesar Romero]

Sorry my phone was giving me trouble. Any help would be appreciated also if one wouldn't mind explaining what to look for that would be appreciated!

 

[OriginalUserName]

Based on the whelk I found in my old tank and the type of nassarius I usually receive I would guess he is a whelk.

 

[saltyhog]

Looks like a whelk to me. This is what mine looked like.

 

[Cesar Romero]

Appreciate it the advise, and the picture. With nassarius snails, is it acceptable for them to have any bit of “tattooing” or are they suppose to be clear tan?

 

[saltyhog]

Appreciate it the advise, and the picture. With nassarius snails, is it acceptable for them to have any bit of “tattooing” or are they suppose to be clear tan?

I wouldn't trust any that didn't have an unmarked snout. Watch their behavior as well. Nassarius should sleep in the sand bed and emerge when you feed. Mine hardly ever went anywhere but the sand. The whelk would be all over the glass and rock looking for victims.

 

[ReefClutz]

Sorry my phone was giving me trouble. Any help would be appreciated also if one wouldn't mind explaining what to look for that would be appreciated!

Definitely a type of Nassarius snail.