Genus
Common name: Thyca snails
Scientific name: Thyca
Thyca snails are a genus of parasitic snails known for their unique relationship with certain starfish, particularly from the genus Linckia. These snails are ectoparasites, meaning they live on the surface of their host, feeding on the starfish's tissues and fluids. In the aquarium, they are rarely seen as they are not intentionally added due to their parasitic nature. However, they can sometimes be inadvertently introduced with their starfish hosts. While they are fascinating from a biological standpoint, their presence is generally unwelcome in home aquariums as they can harm their starfish hosts.
