Astrea Snail Appetite???

[pstock44]

Yesterday I found one of my Astrea Snails climbing up the side of a live rock and had stopped on top of one of my beautiful white/purple "mini" feather dusters. I didn't think it would bother it since they are supposed to be herbivores but I got nervous so I knocked it off and moved it to another part of the aquarium.

This morning the same snail (it has a unique coloration on its shell) is higher up on the same side of the rock and the feather duster seems to be missing. I'm a bit upset my duster is gone, I have only seen two of this type in the tank.

Will the Astrea Snails eat these creatures? Or are they truly a herbivore?

My tank is 120 gallons, fully cycled, has 5 yellowtail damsels, 2 clownfish, 100 nassirius snails, 2 astrea snails, 6 blue leg hermits, 6 thin stripe hermits, 70# live rock and about a 2" sand bed.

Thanks in advance for any info.

[leebca]

Your question might be best posted in the Reef Forum. I'd try a post there, too.

My knowledge of snails comes from what they will do in a fish only with live rock type of system. In the case of Astrea, they are known to eat only algae type foods. They are sold as totally reef safe, not harming any other creature. There are, however several difference species of these snails. Their 'downside' is that they have a hard time turning themselves upright after a fall. This can lead to their death and the decay can lead to water quality issues.

Don't discount the possibility that the top of the tube worm's home could harbor some tasty algae.

[pstock44]

Ok, I saw the feather duster today. I used to be able to see the end of its tube but now I can't (its slightly hidden around the edge of the rock) so possibly something has been on it and broke it. The only ting I can guess is that the snail crawled over it and damaged the end of the tube (possibly eating the algae on or around it as leebca mentioned) and now the duster is a bit shy. It seems every time I come near the tank its hiding until I sit there quiet for awhile.

Meanwhile I have found another duster on the same rock. I hope I get a bunch more.

[kronos5]

Those type of snails only eat algae I believe