Mystery snail

[Swiftler]

Anyone know what kind of snail this is and if it's safe for a reef. Recently found them strolling around. Probably came in on some new rock.

 

[mr_X]

A whelk.
Whelks by Ronald L. Shimek, Ph.D. - Reefkeeping.com

 

[Swiftler]

Thanks Mr X. Now that I read that it state that almost all are bad for reef tanks except for the nassarius snail. Any tips on how to catch these little guys?

 

[mr_X]

You can pick them out as you see them with your hand. They are slow as molasses! Toss them in the sump if you have one. it would be a shame to kill them for just being whelks.

 

[Swiftler]

I dont really want to kill these little guys either but I don't have a sump yet. Do you think it's a bad idea to leave the two in the tank

 

[Amanda92]

Aw back in the day when I had a reef. So excited to buy new rocks.and get exciteing little freebies. I got loads of whelks but they were very small, your looks quite big. Mines never done my reef any harm, but as I said mines were much smaller I think.

 

[Swiftler]

Size might be deceiving. They are about 2-3 cm

 

[Amanda92]

Yeah I thought they were bigger. The ones we found were only about 1cm but they never done anyharm. I think he looks nice... Lovely shell haha. Maybe he'll grow on you.. You never know