Hi David, I don't know if this will help you but I will pass it along.  I've
looked for eulimids on sea cucumbers in Hawaii several times.  Two species
of sea cucumber occur commonly in the tide pools that I've searched.  One is
black and covered with a thin layer of sand [Holothuria atra] and the other
is brown with white spots and sand doesn't stick to it [Actinopyga
mauritiana].  The former sometimes have snail parasites on them, but not on
every one.  I've collected three different species of eulimid snails only on
this species.  The latter species never has any parasitic snails that I have
found.  So maybe the species of sea cucumber that you are observing isn't
the host for the snails you are finding in the beach drift?  A different
species living in deeper water may be the host and provides the drift shells
you are finding. Bert Bartleson

-----Original Message-----
From: Conchologists List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
David Kirsh
Sent: Wednesday, June 24, 2009 3:16 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [CONCH-L] parasitic/commensal shells

Greetings from Barra Grande, Bahia, Brazil. I~ve looked at both ends of
several sea cucumbers and nary a eulimid. Isn~t that their favorite feeding
place(s)? I~ve found plenty of eulimids in the drift here.

Any suggestions for better success in finding them live?

David Kirsh

"When you're chewing on life's gristle, DON'T grumble. Give a whistle!"
--from Life of Brian

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