Common name: Tongan Nassarius Snail

General information

The Tongan Nassarius Snail, Rapa incurva, is a small but highly beneficial scavenger for saltwater aquariums. These snails are known for their burrowing behavior, which helps to aerate the substrate and reduce the buildup of detritus. They have a distinctive elongated shell with a spiral design and can often be seen protruding their long siphons from the sand as they search for food.

Care

Rapa incurva is an undemanding species that adapts well to life in captivity. They thrive in tanks with a deep sand bed where they can burrow and scavenge for uneaten food and decaying matter. It's important to ensure that the tank is not overstocked with snails, as they require a sufficient amount of food to survive. Overfeeding can lead to an increase in nutrient levels, so a balance must be struck.

Reproduction

In the home aquarium, reproduction of Rapa incurva is not commonly observed. They are known to lay eggs in small capsules, but the larvae typically require specialized conditions to develop that are not usually present in the average reef tank.

Habitat

The natural habitat of the Tongan Nassarius Snail includes sandy and muddy substrates in shallow tropical waters. They are often found in areas with seagrass beds and coral rubble where they play a role in the ecosystem by consuming organic waste.