I think I have a Whelk

[Duane Clark]

It looks like a Nassarius snail but it has a darker shell, very long "nose" and a green outline on his foot and I have never seen him in the sand. It must have come in on the live rockwhen I set up 3 months ago. I noticed him about 1 1/2 months ago when he was smaller and figured he was a snail. He is nocturnal and hides in the exact same spot each day or if he does move he stays in the shadows. He is getting bigger now but so far I have not noticed him hunting any of my other nails. Its hard to get a clear pic of him or I would include. I guess my question is...should he come out? since I don't notice any missing snails (Although I have a lot so not sure I would miss them) is there any benefit to keeping him? I hate killing stuff.

 

[EmdeReef]

Any chance you can take a pic?

They tend to eat clams more than snails from what I've read so if you don't have a clam or don't intend to keep one it may not harm anything...

Check this out maybe helps: http://www.melevsreef.com/articles/whelk-versus-nassarius

 

[Duane Clark]

Any chance you can take a pic?

They tend to eat clams more than snails from what I've read so if you don't have a clam or don't intend to keep one it may not harm anything...

Check this out maybe helps: http://www.melevsreef.com/articles/whelk-versus-nassarius

I will try and see what I can get. he is never in a spot where he is easily photographed. will post soon.