Nassarius snail kills and eats bicolor blenny

1epauletteshark

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First of all, yes it is a nassarius snail and not a predatory whelk.

Half an hour is so ago I had seen one of my nassariuses covering the opening to the shell my blenny lives in and a bumble bee shrimp clawing at it from behind to be let in, I though this was weird but didn’t think anything of it as a saw my blenny swimming happily and healthily an hour ago. Now, 5 minutes ago it moves away and inside the shell I see my dead bicolor blenny…
1472EA63-F0BF-4B04-9CBA-EF6C44FB22C3.jpeg


I really don’t know what to do but I just wanted to ask what people think happed? This was super unexpected and shocking to me. The tank is well fed.
 

SlugSnorter

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First of all, yes it is a nassarius snail and not a predatory whelk.

Half an hour is so ago I had seen one of my nassariuses covering the opening to the shell my blenny lives in and a bumble bee shrimp clawing at it from behind to be let in, I though this was weird but didn’t think anything of it as a saw my blenny swimming happily and healthily an hour ago. Now, 5 minutes ago it moves away and inside the shell I see my dead bicolor blenny…
1472EA63-F0BF-4B04-9CBA-EF6C44FB22C3.jpeg


I really don’t know what to do but I just wanted to ask what people think happed? This was super unexpected and shocking to me. The tank is well fed.
A Nassarius snail lacks the ability to kill a healthy fish.

If your sure its a Nas, then in all likelihood the Blenny was either dead or dying before the Nas got there.
 
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1epauletteshark

1epauletteshark

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A Nassarius snail lacks the ability to kill a healthy fish.

If your sure its a Nas, then in all likelihood the Blenny was either dead or dying before the Nas got there.
I am aware of this but it was doing just fine an hour on two before, I think the nas got to it because it was wedged inside the shell with nowhere to go and an easy meal. It could have potentially had health problems but I doubt it.
 
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SlugSnorter

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I am aware of this but it was doing just fine an hour on two before, I think the nas got to it because it was wedged inside the shell with nowhere to go and an easy meal. It could have potentially had health problems but I doubt it.
A nas is not that strong, and has lots of fragile exposed tissue. They are also almost blind, and rely a lot on smell to find food. They aren't really attracted to the smell of a healthy fish.

It's possible the Blenny lodged itself in the shell and broke something trying to get out. It's not really that common, but it happens sometimes.
 
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1epauletteshark

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A nas is not that strong, and has lots of fragile exposed tissue. They are also almost blind, and rely a lot on smell to find food. They aren't really attracted to the smell of a healthy fish.

It's possible the Blenny lodged itself in the shell and broke something trying to get out. It's not really that common, but it happens sometimes.
That might just be the cause. Anyways, thanks for the help it is much appreciated, that is why I posted this as a question to see what other causes could be.
 
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vetteguy53081

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First of all, yes it is a nassarius snail and not a predatory whelk.

Half an hour is so ago I had seen one of my nassariuses covering the opening to the shell my blenny lives in and a bumble bee shrimp clawing at it from behind to be let in, I though this was weird but didn’t think anything of it as a saw my blenny swimming happily and healthily an hour ago. Now, 5 minutes ago it moves away and inside the shell I see my dead bicolor blenny…
1472EA63-F0BF-4B04-9CBA-EF6C44FB22C3.jpeg


I really don’t know what to do but I just wanted to ask what people think happed? This was super unexpected and shocking to me. The tank is well fed.
While a nassarius is capable, assure its a nassarius and not the similar looking whelk or dove snail
 
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vetteguy53081

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vetteguy53081

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