From: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Marisa and ramshorns Dear Andy and Blue;- >(Is Blue your real name?) Dear Arthur: Is Art your real name? Mine is a color, yours is a hobby . . . blue As pointed out, there are many ways for snails to "escape" and here backyard ponds are another good source. However, it is, I think, a fairly common practice to dump aquaria in rivers and streams, and not out of a sense of kindness towards snails (unfortunately) but out of a sense of "responsibility" to unwanted fish (aka tears in the kids' eyes when mom gets ready to flush). The snails are just along for the drive, whether it's through the "system" or the local waterway. Just this past summer i'm aware of the discovery of a dozen fresh pectens and turbos in the middle of a river near here -- undoubtedly aquarium ornaments! Further, i suspect that while the deeply-cared about fish usually don't make it to the next season, one "dumping" is usually all that's necessary for a snail to "take". blue sanityville, TX in the middle of Redneckia _________________________________________________________________ Get a FREE online computer virus scan from McAfee when you click here. http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963