what is this snail?

[ashleynicole]

So a few weeks ago we went to Alexander springs, which is a freshwater spring in Florida, and my 6 year old daughter brought home a minnow and some snails. That minnow looks like a plain guppy and eats voraciously so I assume it is a mosquito fish. But one of these snails has gotten HUGE! I see them all in the sand in the springs and I thought they look a lot like the Malaysian trumpet snails in my tank. But ive never seen a MTS get so big. What do you think it is?

 

[shellyx]

It looks like a mts, but could possibly be a tylo snail (rabbit snail)

 

[ashleynicole]

Here are a couple of pictures in my hand for size reference... and I have big hands for a female. The second pic he was starting to come out.

If it's not a MTS do they reproduce sexual or asexual?

Edit, can't get pics to upload on android app. Will try again later

 

[Alspond]

This may help you identify it
http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/malacology/fl-snail/snails1.htm

An associated page oF just the pictures
http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/malacology/fl-snail/fwthumbs.html

Several Melania are on the loose .

Maybe an elimia ? These get 20-30 mm
I think that is the St John's drainage.

Have fun!

 

[ashleynicole]

Ok since pictures aren't working I would say for size this thing is between 1.5 to 2 inches and I believe mts only get about an inch?

Thanks for the links. I've been googling and will check them out.

 

[Alspond]

Guide list two Melania
The one found in springs is listed at 30-36 mm so it is the size range.

 

[ashleynicole]

Guide list two Melania
The one found in springs is listed at 30-36 mm so it is the size range.

Yes I was looking at that. I really think that must be it because it basically looks like a MTS on steroids. Just a different species of the same I guess.


I have come to the conclusion that this is Melanoides turricula


"interestingly, *the two species have separated themselves out in their adopted Florida ranges,*M. tuberculata*in quieter, enriched turbid waters and*M. turricola*in cleaner, clearer springs"

 

[ashleynicole]

Finally worked

 

[ashleynicole]

A couple more

 

[ashleynicole]

although I think I have it identified I would appreciate anyone else who has any input.

Thanks!