Jello

[gatorracer]

I went home for lunch today and found a snail tipped sideways next to a brain coral and it had a purplish mass on it. I pulled it out in a bowl to get the snail and mass together. The snail is curled up inside its shell and its foot is still holding tight. But the mass that was on it is what I am trying to identify. I could squeze the mass about the size of a quarter around and it felt jelly like. I wanted to take a pic but of course its absolutely clear and will not show up. I ended up flushing it before I left but just wondered if anyone had any ideas on what it was.

Thanks in advance

 

[Anonymous]

Could have been Snail eggs. What species of Snail is it?

 

[gatorracer]

Mexican turbo snail. Bought them from Dr Foster and Smith about 6 months ago. I have hundereds of baby snail in my tank but I have never noticed eggs so I guess it could have been. Just worried me a bit to have the snail so close to the brain and crap coming out of them. Just thought it had to be bad.

 

[Anonymous]

Well, all drains lead to the ocean! :lol:

 

[Anonymous]

There are a few species referred to as Mexican Turbo. The female will lay a mass of Jello containing unfertilized eggs. The Jello will dissolve to release the eggs into the water column. The male will sense the dissolving Jello and release sperm into the water to hopefully fertilize the eggs.

The reason you haven't seen the eggs before is that the mass will dissolve rather quickly.

 

[gatorracer]

Thats what I love about these boards you learn something new everyday. Thanks Guy for all your help and knowledge.