Snails with trunks?

[stevelikesfish]

Been searching on this site about snails that I have in my aquarium. They are only about 10mm long at present, but have something like an elephant trunk sticking out the front..

Are these called elephant snails? and are they harmless ?

Many Thanks!

 

[Biggen]

Do these snails look like this: http://www.naturia.per.sg/beachfleas/photos/0627-01x.jpg

10mm almost sounds a little too big for a Nassarius snails. But if that is what you have, they are great little snails to have. They burrow in the sand and help clean up uneaten food and deitrus that falls onto the sand bed. I wish I had more of them.

 

[stevelikesfish]

kind of yea... let me take a pic and post it up for you

 

[stevelikesfish]

here it is. you should be able to see its trunk

 

[steve-s]

Can you lift it out and snap a pic of the shell opening? I'd say whelk but it could be a Conus as well. The posterior seems kind of rounded.

Cheers
Steve

 

[Biggen]

Also see if you can snap a picture with a flash on it. Might bring out some detail and colors on the shell.

 

[stevelikesfish]

ok guys, will have a go later today for you! Thx for your help!

 

[gear-head]

I'd guess a Nassarius. If you want real long trunks get a conch!

 

[revhtree]

Those look like snails that I got off ebay. I got about 55 in my 75g. They do a great job!

 

[revhtree]

check this link. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=66788&item=4329388924&rd=1#ebayphotohosting

 

[austinsdad]

Checked that link out Rev. Says this type of "Vibex" nassarius buries in the sand. I got turbos and astreas not. They stay on the rocks and glass. Do your Vibex really sift - or just hang around the sand like the ad says?

 

[revhtree]

They are mostly on top of the sand and on the glass. They will bury though. Not much but they will.