Bumble bee snails Identified

[rshimek]

Hi Folks,

Thanks to Morgan Lidster from Inland Aquatics, I got a ââ"šÂ¬Ã…"œbumble beeââ"šÂ¬Ã‚ snail to examine. They are species of Engina, probably closely related to Engina mendicaria from the Indo-Pacific. This is a large group, with many similar species, and my references were not sufficient to determine the precise species identity, but there is no doubt that they are in the genus Engina. There is remarkably little known of their natural history, however as members of the Family Buccinidae, they are predatory. I would not consider them ââ"šÂ¬Ã…"œreef safeââ"šÂ¬Ã‚ in the broadest sense, but they probably may be largely scavengers in reef tanks. However, as many buccinids are predatory on worms and other infauna, I would suspect they will also attack the sand fauna in our systems.

Cheers, Ron

 

[hesaias]

Thanks Doc,
I was holding out on buying any till someone ID'd those guys positivly. Im glad I did.
Thanks again

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hesaias

My Homepage

 

[Larry M]

Thanks very much for the information, Ron. You're a great resource to have around!



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Larry M

See my tanks at Northern Reef

 

[greasefire]

Thanks Ron,. I have maybe about 10 of them a wholesaler gave me in my seagrass tank. I have watched them seen them grazing micro algea and searching the substrate. I have only had them for 5 or 6 weeks. I also have worked on this tank 100 gal, 6" sand bed loaded with life, feeding heavy and no skimmer. Would it be advantagous to pluck them BB snails outta there? I have a really neat tank going and would hate to have introduced a predator. Worm population is really crankin, ya think they eat them?
Jus ramblin, Thanks
JK http://www.blueoceandesigns.com

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http://www.blueoceandesigns.com

 

[rshimek]

Hi,

Well no Buccinid snail can or will graze algae, so if yours are doing this, then it indicates that at least two species of snails are being sold with the same name.

If any of yours die and you are willing to send me the shell, I would be glad to try to identify the animal.

Cheers, Ron

 

[greasefire]

I will look around and see if I can get you one. J