Nassarius snail kills and eats bicolor blenny

[1epauletteshark]

First of all, yes it is a nassarius snail and not a predatory whelk.

Half an hour is so ago I had seen one of my nassariuses covering the opening to the shell my blenny lives in and a bumble bee shrimp clawing at it from behind to be let in, I though this was weird but didn’t think anything of it as a saw my blenny swimming happily and healthily an hour ago. Now, 5 minutes ago it moves away and inside the shell I see my dead bicolor blenny…

I really don’t know what to do but I just wanted to ask what people think happed? This was super unexpected and shocking to me. The tank is well fed.

 

[SlugSnorter]

View attachment 3085023First of all, yes it is a nassarius snail and not a predatory whelk.

Half an hour is so ago I had seen one of my nassariuses covering the opening to the shell my blenny lives in and a bumble bee shrimp clawing at it from behind to be let in, I though this was weird but didn’t think anything of it as a saw my blenny swimming happily and healthily an hour ago. Now, 5 minutes ago it moves away and inside the shell I see my dead bicolor blenny… View attachment 3085024

I really don’t know what to do but I just wanted to ask what people think happed? This was super unexpected and shocking to me. The tank is well fed.

A Nassarius snail lacks the ability to kill a healthy fish.

If your sure its a Nas, then in all likelihood the Blenny was either dead or dying before the Nas got there.

 

[1epauletteshark]

A Nassarius snail lacks the ability to kill a healthy fish.

If your sure its a Nas, then in all likelihood the Blenny was either dead or dying before the Nas got there.

I am aware of this but it was doing just fine an hour on two before, I think the nas got to it because it was wedged inside the shell with nowhere to go and an easy meal. It could have potentially had health problems but I doubt it.

 

[SlugSnorter]

I am aware of this but it was doing just fine an hour on two before, I think the nas got to it because it was wedged inside the shell with nowhere to go and an easy meal. It could have potentially had health problems but I doubt it.

A nas is not that strong, and has lots of fragile exposed tissue. They are also almost blind, and rely a lot on smell to find food. They aren't really attracted to the smell of a healthy fish.

It's possible the Blenny lodged itself in the shell and broke something trying to get out. It's not really that common, but it happens sometimes.

 

[Seansea]

Not possible. Do you have crabs? Maybe something else killed it and the snail was on clean up duty

 

[1epauletteshark]

Double post sry

 

[1epauletteshark]

A nas is not that strong, and has lots of fragile exposed tissue. They are also almost blind, and rely a lot on smell to find food. They aren't really attracted to the smell of a healthy fish.

It's possible the Blenny lodged itself in the shell and broke something trying to get out. It's not really that common, but it happens sometimes.

That might just be the cause. Anyways, thanks for the help it is much appreciated, that is why I posted this as a question to see what other causes could be.

 

[1epauletteshark]

Not possible. Do you have crabs? Maybe something else killed it and the snail was on clean up duty

Just two Pom Pom crabs.

 

[vetteguy53081]

View attachment 3085023First of all, yes it is a nassarius snail and not a predatory whelk.

Half an hour is so ago I had seen one of my nassariuses covering the opening to the shell my blenny lives in and a bumble bee shrimp clawing at it from behind to be let in, I though this was weird but didn’t think anything of it as a saw my blenny swimming happily and healthily an hour ago. Now, 5 minutes ago it moves away and inside the shell I see my dead bicolor blenny… View attachment 3085024

I really don’t know what to do but I just wanted to ask what people think happed? This was super unexpected and shocking to me. The tank is well fed.

While a nassarius is capable, assure its a nassarius and not the similar looking whelk or dove snail

 

[blaxsun]

I think the others are correct that the blenny had a mishap prior. I have... 40, 50? nassarius snails in my tank. They only come out at night or when there's something to feed on (dead or otherwise).

 

[1epauletteshark]

While a nassarius is capable, assure its a nassarius and not the similar looking whelk or dove snail

Certainly not a dove snail, I am almost certain it is a tongan nassarius.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Certainly not a dove snail, I am almost certain it is a tongan nassarius.

Cant tell unless seeing the bottom of snail.

 

[1epauletteshark]

Cant tell unless seeing the bottom of snail.

Photo from reef cleaners but I can say with 100% certainty they are the same.

 

[vetteguy53081]

View attachment 3085117

Photo from reef cleaners but I can say with 100% certainty they are the same.

Yes nassarius

 

[1epauletteshark]

Yes nassarius

Would a tongan nassarius be capable of "trapping" and killing a healthy bicolor blenny?

 

[Bucs20fan]

Would a tongan nassarius be capable of "trapping" and killing a healthy bicolor blenny?

No, something happened in the two hours after you saw the blenny.

 

[SlugSnorter]

Would a tongan nassarius be capable of "trapping" and killing a healthy bicolor blenny?

No, they lack the kill power of the predatory whelks, who themselves tend not to go after fish.