Whelk?

[tang_man_montreal]

Need an ID please?

I purchased 3 of these snails under the assumption that they were Nassarius snails.
However, I am highly doubtful recently and suspect that they are actually Whelks.
They do spend the day under the sand and come out when the lights go out.

However, a week ago I added a blue squamosa clam that had been at my LFS for the better part of 10 days.
Properly acclimated, and appeared healthy when I added it to the tank and for several hours.
By the time the lights dimmed, it was flipped on its side and surrounded by the 3 "nassarius" snails and some hermits.
The clam did not survive.

Tattooed markings on the probiscus
Trap door on the foot

Thoughts please? They are about the size of a nickel.
I caught 2, looking for the 3rd right now.

 

[Tamberav]

I keep some welks and the tattoo is much more prominent. My welks move wayyy slow compared to a nass. Nass can really book it!

Notice the trap door... this is from reefcleaners and he knows his ID. It is labeled as Nass gaudiosus. Looks similar to yours.

 

[tang_man_montreal]

You know that old saying... "when in doubt, pull it out" ?

I just added another blue squamosa tonight. He's doing good so far, however if I have to choose between a $200 clam or $5 snails, I'll choose the clam. I'm going to err on caution.

I found the 3rd snail. The 3 are now doing laps in a glass container.

 

[tang_man_montreal]

@Tamberav,
I agree, they do look like Tongan Nassarius.

Nonetheless, I'm going to isolate them for the time being in the interest of my clam.
I'm bagging them and floating them in my sump for the night till I decide.

Thanks!

 

[Isopod80]

I agree. I have the same form of nassarius in my reef. Great cleaners. I prefer them over N. Vibex.

 

[Tamberav]

Nass will eat a clam if they sense any sort of weakness/death, often before we can see any sort of decline. That being said. It is probably not a bad idea to let the clam settle.

 

[NowGlazeIT]

I’ve read that whelks don’t bury they sleep on the rock but cannot confirm. I’ve bought a few different color variations and they all bury themselves during the day