Snail ID?

[nillo]

Can anyone help me ID this? The mantle is covering the shell which is white. I was thinking it is an egg cowrie, but what do I know. If you look at the squirts in my previous post, you will see what it is eating.
thanks

 

[Anonymous]

Cowrie?? WOW, very unique.

 

[Anonymous]

It is a cowrie. I haven't a clue as to what species, but I believe it is in the genus Cypraea. You should be aware that these are not reef safe as they will eat some corals.

They make great critters for 'fish-only' tanks though.

 

[nillo]

I was pretty certain it wan't reef safe, especially considering that the mantle is covered with camoflage that looks like xenia. Good thing it appeared in the isolation system.

 

[nillo]

I was pretty certain it wan't reef safe, especially considering that the mantle is covered with camoflage that looks like xenia. Good thing it appeared in the isolation system.

 

[Anonymous]

It appears to be a member of the Family Cypraeidae though it's also possible that it's of the Family Ovulidae (False Cowrie). We need to see a much clearer picture and one of the opening of the shell. Either way while some species are herbivores most species are omivores feeding on algae, sponges and coral polyps.

Regards,
David Mohr

 

[nillo]

It has been eating the filter feeders that are in the other post. I'll try to get a better picture tonight.

 

[nillo]

So I obviously didn't get better pics that night. I am waiting for a reversing mount to get here so that I can bust out the bellows to do some macro photography. The next pics that I will post should be fantastic. At least I hope so.