Florida snails and hermits

[aj2001]

A coworker of mine recently went home to Fl, and while he was there picked up a bunch of snails and crabs from the eastern coast of Fl. He said he's kept these in his reef tanks in the past w/ no probs, but I am hesitant as I cant verify the species, The snails are an average of 1/2"-1"in diameter w/ black and brown shells w/ a black body and two very long anteni. And the hermits are all around an inch or so, w/ long spiral shells and sort of a brownish green and yellow striped body. Any Ideas?
Thanx much
Aj

 

[Doug M.]

I live in Fl. ( no voting jokes )
I am new to this and am interested in seeing a response to your question. I descibed that same snail to a local pet store guy as I have one in my tank. He called it a gulf snail and didn't say much more. He also didn't tell me to get rid of my Hydra which apparently is something I should do. I don't know anything about them but this guy's advice or lack of it is not a good sign. :?

 

[wade1]

Southern/southeastern FL (West Palm to the Keys basically) has a number of creatures commonly used in reef tanks... blue leg hermit crabs, nassarius and turbos snails, peppermint shrimp (those are more common on the gulf side), mithrax crabs.... I've grabbed a few snails while in the area before. Just make sure you know what you are getting...


Pictures of the snails in question are the best bet...

Wade

 

[ScottC]

I have had good luck with the blue leg hermits off of the east coast, and the turbo snails from deeper waters (30-45 ft) off of the west coast are IMO the best in FL. They are loaded with coralline and do an amazing job in the tank. The hermits stay small, and don't bulldoze over everything. I've also faired well with white and golden coral banded shrimp and cukes.