Snail ID

DaDom · Jul 23, 2022

Hey, this snail is pretty common in the seas in my area. So I was wondering if anyone could give an ID, and say if they're generally reef safe and macroalgae safe.

DaDom · Jul 23, 2022

If it helps, this is the Caribbean region

ISpeakForTheSeas · Jul 23, 2022

Do you have any top-down or full length side shots of the snail? Those could be really helpful for ID'ing.

I don't know what it is based on just that photo (and snail ID is tough for me), but the narrow opening at the end of the shell there leads me to believe it may be some species of whelk (predatory snail). Generally, whelks are coral safe, but they typically eat other snails - so they're not usually something you would want in a reef tank. Again, though, more photos would likely be necessary to confirm one way or the other.

tbrown · Jul 23, 2022

Maybe a Stramonita haemastoma...?

vetteguy53081 · Jul 23, 2022

Looks like a conch but would like to see it opened up in water under white lighting if possible

DaDom · Jul 23, 2022

ISpeakForTheSeas said:
Do you have any top-down or full length side shots of the snail? Those could be really helpful for ID'ing.

I don't know what it is based on just that photo (and snail ID is tough for me), but the narrow opening at the end of the shell there leads me to believe it may be some species of whelk (predatory snail). Generally, whelks are coral safe, but they typically eat other snails - so they're not usually something you would want in a reef tank. Again, though, more photos would likely be necessary to confirm one way or the other.

Only other angle I have atm. I'll have to go back to the sea to get a better shot. But generally in the water, all you really see is the shell, and when you pick them up, the body is black.