Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
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Eco Tech Marine 

Shell-less Snail

 Stomatella auricula (Dove Snail, Shell-less Snail, Slug Snail, Ear-shell)

Stomatella auricula
Lamarck, 1816

Dove Snail, Shell-less Snail, Slug Snail, Ear-shell

Likely Reef Tank Suitable

Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable

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One of the more odd looking snails, as many mistake it for a nudibranch/slug. Even though many call it a "shell-less" snail, that is incorrect as it does have a small, flattened, cap-like shell on top of its body that is covered by flesh.

If its general appearance was not odd enough, when disturbed it drops the rear portion/tail area of its body, similar to what some desert lizards do when frightened. And the detached portion twists and turns so as to attract the predator while the main body moves away at an amazingly fast speed!

Family Stomatellidae


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Polyp Lab