Unidentified snail killer

[AJAZ]

I've been reading the forums a bit over the last six months and decided to make my first post. I acquired a 140 gallon aquarium from a coworker. We managed to keep everything alive during transport. I had a few turbos and one guy that I couldn't identify. Over the course of a few months, all of my turbos died off I think due to starvation. I have things back up and running now, and with a new light setup I had an explosion of algae and no snails to clean it up, so today I bought four turbos. As soon as I get them in the tank, this guy attacked (and I think killed) one of the snails. I've been trying to identify it, but no success so far. Hoping someone here can take a stab at it.

I'm not wondering if it could even be a conch.

 

[143MPCo]

Could be wrong but looks like a Muricanthus callidinus...

Murexes live on rocks or reefs and are carnivores, feeding on other gastropods as well as bivalves, barnacles, worms, coral, and other invertebrates. They attack their prey by boring holes utilizing the radula and a gland in the foot that secretes various fluids to help in the boring action. The sexes are separate. The female lays the fertilized eggs in horny capsules, fastening them to rocks or hard objects singly or in clusters.

 

[143MPCo]

I've looked at a few different variations of that shell and while not 100% identical it does look to be part of the callidinus family...

Hope that helps and welcome any correction to my ID.

 

[AJAZ]

Ok, now the secreting part makes sense. When I first got him to detach, the turbo had a whitish slime all over his protective shell. I will check in the morning, but now it really does look like he's dead. His door is half open. The offending snail is now in isolation for the time being.

 

[143MPCo]

How did you make out?

 

[AJAZ]

First off, I wanted to say thanks for the info! After about four hours the turbo did open up and is now going around the tank wall eating. He has some fairly substantial damage to the flesh around his foot and looks like of torn up a bit. It seems like he was either torn by tension/suction, or he was cut. I'll watch and see.

Now I have a dilemma about what to do with this carnivorous snail. I don't really want him, but I don't want to kill him either.

 

[143MPCo]

escargot?
J/K...
Call a LFS see if they will take it but, I would divulge its temperament.

 

[rosieosieee]

my land hermit crabs has this shell as a decoration in their tank LOL!

if you don't want to kill him throw him in your sump or take him to your local LFS!