Strange pattern on snail

[David & Katie]

Can someone educate me on what is happening in this photo? I found this one upside down yesterday. My wife found one today upside down with the same, or similar pattern. It is very pretty. Does someone know the cause?

 

[DSC reef]

That's the back door of the snail. They will drop it once they perish. If you see the snail upside down try to flip it back over.

 

[David & Katie]

That's the back door of the snail. They will drop it once they perish. If you see the snail upside down try to flip it back over.

Are you saying that is what a snail anus looks like? Also, what do you mean "drop it"?

 

[DSC reef]

Its attached to the snail, when threatened they can close tight. When the snail dies you'll find the back doors in the tank.

 

[David & Katie]

Its attached to the snail, when threatened they can close tight. When the snail dies you'll find the back doors in the tank.

How very strange. I have rescued my snails many times and never noticed this. Thank you for the information.

 

[N00B1]

So did he just call the snails butt pretty?

 

[David & Katie]

So did he just call the snails butt pretty?

I thought so too. But it is actually a little "door" they can close when necessary.

 

[DSC reef]

So did he just call the snails butt pretty?

Actually no. It's called the operculum.

 

[David & Katie]

Actually no. It's called the operculum.

It is a shame they are not visible more often. The colors and patterns they have are amazing.