Forgive me, the link got messed up:

http://floridapets.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/com
monmarginella.JPG

The link should appear on one line, without spaces.

-----Original Message-----
From: Conchologists of America List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Bob Abela
Sent: Tuesday, December 09, 2003 7:21 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Marginellid behavior


Hi all,

On ReefCentral, a forum for marine and reef aquarists, one subscriber
witnessed a Marginella sp. prey upon a Nassarius. This is how he
describes the event:

"A Nassarius Vibex was munching on a molt/skin from one of my peppermint
shrimps, when along came a Marginella snail and ambushed him! The Nass
started "kicking" to escape, but the Marginella must have 'stung' or bit
him somehow. About 15 secs later, the Nass was lifeless. BUT WAIT... it
ain't over.

The Marginella then completely covered the Nass (approx same pea-size)
and carried it away! Marginella snails have a long-ish tail (so to
speak) and this one attached his back portion to the Nass, and carted it
off. He took the Nass carcass across the deep sand bed, up some live
rock and Chaet algae, and then disappeared from my site."

I inquired a little more, especially in reference to 'carrying' the
shell. And he replied:

"The Marginella 'carried' the Nass by means of the rear portion of its
foot. It dragged it across the deep sand bed, then up the live rock.
Coolest thing to watch."

Unsure as to marginellid species but they were bought from Florida Pets,
where they are described as Common Marginellas
http://floridapets.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/com
monmarginella.JPG. Another forum member suggests they are Prunum
apicinum (Menke, 1828). This may be correct.

He provided a little more detail of the animal:

"I have observed that it was a white marginella, with an almost
see-through sheel showing spots underneath. All the other Marginellas
are amber/light green color."

A white color form of P. apicinum does exist as well, so maybe that is
what he describes?

ID aside, what really intrigues me is the behaviour. Can anyone share
more on this? It's a fascinating observation and I would like to learn
more about it.

Cheers,
Bob