Stomatella defense mechanism

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I was cleaning out my sump and noticed a decent size stomatella in my filter pad, I went to relocate it and as I picked it up it's entire back end popped off and started wiggling on it's own, like how a lizards tail will fall off. The stomatella is fine and seems to have no ill effects from it, but I just thought it was cool and wanted to share. Anybody else see this happen before?

 

[Baldyreef]

I was cleaning out my sump and noticed a decent size stomatella in my filter pad, I went to relocate it and as I picked it up it's entire back end popped off and started wiggling on it's own, like how a lizards tail will fall off. The stomatella is fine and seems to have no ill effects from it, but I just thought it was cool and wanted to share. Anybody else see this happen before?

wow I didn't know they could do that lol, I have a ton in my tank and have sometimes had to relocate them but I guess mine must be more calm then your big one because its never happened to me, cool experience though!

 

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wow I didn't know they could do that lol, I have a ton in my tank and have sometimes had to relocate them but I guess mine must be more calm then your big one because its never happened to me, cool experience though!

I didn't either to be honest. I've had them in my tanks for years and moved them several times without any issue, but I guess this guy just got nervous lol.

 

[PolypPocket]

That happened to me too once and it freaked me out!

 

[Baldyreef]

That happened to me too once and it freaked me out!

I guess the defense mechanism worked then

 

[fish_collector]

Yes

 

[Euphylliaphyle]

I guess to make up for having just half a shell.

 

[Euphylliaphyle]

I guess to make up for having just half a shell.

@PolypPocket , @Baldyreef - I suppose this is a little funny, but I was quite serious. Having a half shell out on the reef has to be a disadvantage from a self (and species) preservation POV, even if it creates a niche exploitation advantage. Do we know of any full-shell snails that shed their tails? I'm thinking there is no evolutionary advantage in that being the case. Nature as a whole is profoundly economical.

 

[Baldyreef]

@PolypPocket , @Baldyreef - I suppose this is a little funny, but I was quite serious. Having a half shell out on the reef has to be a disadvantage from a self (and species) preservation POV, even if it creates a niche exploitation advantage. Do we know of any full-shell snails that shed their tails? I'm thinking there is no evolutionary advantage in that being the case. Nature as a whole is profoundly economical.

an advantage of having suck a small flat shell is tight rock exploration too, they can get into all the places bigger shelled snails cant

 

[Privateye]

I've seen this happen a few times over the years. Usually when I'm trying to pick one up by hand.

I always assumed it was a defense mechanism, just like when lizards drop their tails.

 

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an advantage of having suck a small flat shell is tight rock exploration too, they can get into all the places bigger shelled snails cant

I didn't even think about that, but that's so true! I think these guys might be my favorite snail species now.

 

[JonoH]

This would explain the weird shaped shells I find sometimes!