Common name: Spindle Euthria

Scientific name: Euthria cornea (Linnaeus, 1758)

General information

The Canary Dogwhelk, Euthria cornea, is a species of sea snail belonging to the family Buccinidae. These snails are known for their attractive, elongated shells which are often adorned with varying patterns and colors, typically featuring shades of yellow, brown, and white. They are not as common in the aquarium trade as some other invertebrates, but they can be interesting additions due to their behavior and the role they play in the ecosystem.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
75 liter (20 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.023 to 1.025
Temperature
22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
Acidity
pH 8.1 to 8.4
Average size
10 cm (4″)
Care level
Moderate to easy
Diet
Carnivore
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Peaceful
Captive bred
No

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Mollusks
    Mollusca
  3. Class
    Gastropods
    Gastropoda
  4. Order
    Neogastropods
    Neogastropoda
  5. Family
    Whelks
    Buccinidae
  6. Genus
    Euthria Snails
    Euthria
  7. Species
    Spindle Euthria
    Euthria cornea (Linnaeus, 1758)
  8. Synonyms
    Buccinulum corneum (Linnaeus, 1758)
    Euthria cornea rhodiensis Bevilacqua, 1928
    Euthria cornea bellardii de Gregorio, 1885
    Euthria cornea caprica de Gregorio, 1885
    Euthria cornea crassa Monterosato, 1884
    Euthria cornea crassilabra de Gregorio, 1885
    Euthria cornea elongata Monterosato, 1884
    Euthria gracilis Locard, 1891
    Euthria inflata Bellardi, 1872
    Euthria magna Bellardi, 1872
    Euthria major Locard, 1891
    Euthria minor elongata Locard, 1886
    Euthria obesa Bellardi, 1872
    Fusus conulus Risso, 1826
    Fusus lignarius Lamarck, 1816
    Murex corneus Linnaeus, 1758
    Purpura alba Risso, 1826

Care

Canary Dogwhelks require a well-established aquarium with stable water parameters and plenty of live rock or other surfaces for grazing. They are scavengers by nature and will feed on detritus, uneaten food, and carrion. It is important to ensure that there is enough food available for them, but not to overfeed, as this can lead to poor water quality.

Reproduction

In the wild, Canary Dogwhelks lay eggs in capsules which are often attached to hard substrates. In captivity, breeding is less common, but with a suitable environment and a mix of males and females, it is possible for them to reproduce. The larvae are planktonic before settling and developing into juvenile snails.

Habitat

Euthria cornea is found in the Eastern Atlantic, particularly around the Canary Islands, hence its common name. They inhabit rocky shores and are often found in the subtidal zone, where they can hide among the rocks and crevices.