Common name: Spindle Euthria
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
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumMollusksMollusca
- ClassGastropodsGastropoda
- OrderNeogastropodsNeogastropoda
- FamilyWhelksBuccinidae
- GenusEuthria SnailsEuthria
- SpeciesSpindle EuthriaEuthria cornea (Linnaeus, 1758)
- SynonymsBuccinulum corneum (Linnaeus, 1758)Euthria cornea rhodiensis Bevilacqua, 1928Euthria cornea bellardii de Gregorio, 1885Euthria cornea caprica de Gregorio, 1885Euthria cornea crassa Monterosato, 1884Euthria cornea crassilabra de Gregorio, 1885Euthria cornea elongata Monterosato, 1884Euthria gracilis Locard, 1891Euthria inflata Bellardi, 1872Euthria magna Bellardi, 1872Euthria major Locard, 1891Euthria minor elongata Locard, 1886Euthria obesa Bellardi, 1872Fusus conulus Risso, 1826Fusus lignarius Lamarck, 1816Murex corneus Linnaeus, 1758Purpura 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.