help with a snai ID

[Jack]

Well, something after all survived on my live rock, lol.

This is gonna sound dumb, but for a guy that hasnt had live rock yet, help me out. I found a white snail this morning when I woke up and turned on the lights. He is about the size and shape of the lead part on a sharpened pencil. He is cruising along my front glass, hes alive and well. He is white and the shell is spiraled and long.

What is this? Is it bad or good? Am I just freaking out about nothing?? Thanks

[Samw]

They are bad if you have any clams. They are parasitic snails.

http://www.exotictropicals.com/encyclo/fishnchips/sept99/fnc0999.html

[pocilipora]

Could be a cerith snail baby, its harmless. Do you have a picture, because there are many snails that it could be.

[Jack]

uh oh, that looks like the pic and description of the parasitic one. could be a cerith, but I'm just going to take out, if I can find it again!!! images/smiles/icon_mad.gif Now I'm worried. Thanks for the replys though.

[Samw]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Jack:
uh oh, that looks like the pic and description of the parasitic one. could be a cerith, but I'm just going to take out, if I can find it again!!! images/smiles/icon_mad.gif Now I'm worried. Thanks for the replys though.<hr></blockquote>

I'm guessing that it won't be a problem if you don't have clams.

Here's some more links with more info on the Pyramidellid snail:

http://www.animalnetwork.com/fish2/aqfm/1997/aug/shell/default.asp

http://rshimek.com/images/Scott%20Hogan2.jpg

[Jack]

As I feared the snail "sped" away on me. I look at those pictures and yes, it does look like that. Although this one had tighter spirals. But the colour, size and look makes me nervous. If I see the little bugger again, he's toast. Thanks Sam for the info, you probably saved a clam if I had gotten one in the future.

[Jack]

ah ha! Got 'em after work today, I saw the little guy. Thanks guys. Yep, it was one of those parasitic ones.