Common name: Thyca crystallina

General information

Thyca crystallina is a species of parasitic snail known for its unique relationship with certain sea stars, particularly those in the genus Linckia. These small snails are transparent, which allows them to blend in with their host, making them difficult to detect. They are a fascinating addition to the reef aquarium due to their peculiar lifestyle and the role they play in the ecosystem.

Care

Keeping Thyca crystallina in a home aquarium requires the presence of a compatible host sea star, such as a Linckia species. The tank should replicate the natural environment of the snail, including appropriate water quality and temperature. As a parasitic species, they will derive their nutrition from their host, so ensuring the health of the sea star is crucial for the snail's survival.

Reproduction

Reproduction in Thyca crystallina is not well documented in the aquarium setting. In the wild, they are known to lay eggs on their host sea star, and the larvae are planktonic before settling and finding a host of their own.

Symbiosis

Thyca crystallina exhibits a parasitic relationship with its host sea star. It attaches to the surface of the star and feeds on its tissue fluids. Despite being parasitic, this relationship does not typically cause significant harm to the host, and the snail's transparent shell provides an intriguing window into its internal anatomy.

Habitat

This species is found in the Indo-Pacific region, often associated with coral reefs where their host sea stars reside. They are adapted to a range of depths and can be found in both shallow and deeper waters.