HELP! My clam swallowed a snail shell...through its butt!!

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

So, my crocea clam seems to have attached to an empty snail shell...which then managed to get pushed up through its lower area (the part with the gland that attaches to things). I tried to remove the shell gently, but the clam clamped down on the shell which pulled it further in through its bottom. Now the shell is completely swallowed up into the clam (the bottom of the clam is closed and looks like the gland is fine...). When the clam opens, I can see the snail shell inside the clams "mouth" (??)...I have no idea how to get the shell out. It's been in there for about 48 hours, and the clam opens and seems happy enough...should I be worried???

 

[Reefing Madness]

 

[bucksfan1976]

Ive never heard of this, I dont know if it would hurt the clam or not honestly sorry couldnt be much help

 

[stylaster]

Leave it be, thats what the clam has decided to attach to. If the clam wants to release it can push it back out of the bysuss opening

 

[Reef Fever]

i had a nassarius fall off the glass into the mouth of my crocea and it wreaked havoc. but that was a live snail, not an empty shell