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Re: big ramshorns
> Date: Fri, 12 Sep 1997 16:54:26 -0500
> From: krombhol at teclink_net (Paul Krombholz)
> Subject: Re: big ramshorns
>
> I am definitely not a snail expert, but I think I recall somewhere
reading
> about a Columbian ramshorn snail that was that big and a known voracious
> plant eater. I vaguely recall that it had visible striping on its shell.
> The regular ramshorns do not have any striping and are at most only about
> 1/2 inch, and they sometimes chew a few holes in tender new leaves, but
> usually they just keep the soft attached types of algae under control and
> behave themselves very well. I consider them absolutely essential in my
> plant tanks.
This is consistent with my experience. The snails from hell did have very
obvious stripes on their shells and were quite lovely to look at. From
what I saw that one evening, the three of them might have devoured
literally half the vegetable matter in my 120 gallon tank in a week.
I also have some snails of the same shape but 1/2 inch or smaller that came
"Free" with some plants. Their shells are completely transparent, making
them also quite lovely to look at. Perhaps I have ramshorn snails and
didn't know it? These ones do not seem to be harming any of the plants.
Can anybody recommend a good book to help with snail identification?
And while I am asking about books...
I frequently read here about various types of algae and the different
methods that people deal with them. I have two or three sorts, but I do
not know how to identify them. Can anyone suggest a good book or perhaps
some online resource where I can learn to distinguish between types of
algae?
Frank.
-----
The very act of seeking sets something in motion to meet us;
something in the universe, or in the unconscious responds as if
to an invitation. - Jean Shinoda Bolen
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