Nassarius - Truth or Rumor?

[kirkwood]

I was recently told at an LFS than when nassarius get large enough they can use their trunks to sting and kill your sleeping fish.. ??? I've also had another LFS that I've trusted for many years highly praise nassarius for all sand cleanup and turnover and recommended 20 for a 55 gallon... I've never had a problem with them as killers, only a very keen nose (or trunk) for death...

any experiences to share?

 

[lilrobb]

Which LFS came up with that fairy tale?

 

[raz0945]

That is a rumor, I have both large and small. My tanks are packed with corals and they have not caused any problems. Holley

 

[ripped tide]

A cone snail can sting and kill fish... And sting and kill the owner of the tank. Never heard of a nassarius stinging anything.

 

[haninja]

It's true. This started as a nassarius...

 

[izoid]

Not only can they do what you describe but they are actually aliens that use their trunks to probe you while you sleep. Buyer beware!

 

[kirkwood]

LilRobb;732671 wrote: Which LFS came up with that fairy tale?

I will plea the 5th on that one, because overall I had a good experience and they are pretty new. There is potential that there could have been a bit of a language barrier.

I always enjoy dropping the cyclopeeze in the tank and watching all the nassarius appear from the sand like Soviet submarines... LOL.. plus you never have to worry about an ammonia spike from something dying while your out of town cause all thats left in the morning is a skeleton...

 

[stacy22]

Siphons are not capable of stinging. They are used to detect food. The only fish your Nassarius may eat would be ones already dead.

 

[jbdreefs]

Any sponsors have Nassarius snails? I'd like to pick up a few.

 

[raz0945]

Aviarium had some large ones last week!

 

[cr500_af]

Raz0945;732703 wrote: Aviarium had some large ones last week!

Were there any survivors?

 

[rtirado]

Jenn @ Imagine Ocean usually has them.

 

[rdnelson]

JBDreefs;732694 wrote: Any sponsors have Nassarius snails? I'd like to pick up a few.

+1

Are they worse than Emerald Crab about knocking stuff over?

 

[cr500_af]

rdnelson99;732707 wrote: +1

Are they worse than Emerald Crab about knocking stuff over?

They burrow in the sand and come up to feed... no issues.

 

[rtirado]

rdnelson99;732707 wrote: +1

Are they worse than Emerald Crab about knocking stuff over?

I have 6 in a 10 gal tank, they never climb on your rock, just stay in the sand and occasionally climb the glass during feeding.

 

[jumplittlechloe]

 

[cr500_af]

jumplittlechloe;732716 wrote: *SNIP*

That is wild... hopefully nobody will ever sell those as Nassarius.

I mean, I saw a store price aiptasia at $5 each once, so... just sayin'...

 

[rtirado]

That isn't nassarius, its a cone snail:

 

[jef4y]

cr500_af;732708 wrote: They burrow in the sand and come up to feed... no issues.

Exactly... Food hits the water & they're like snipers in the jungle or ninjas in your living room. Suddenly BAM they're all over the place.

 

[ripped tide]

cr500_af;732704 wrote: Were there any survivors?

Yep!