Bumble Bee Snail – South Pacific, Size Small

Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Omnivore
Reef Safe: Yes
Minimum Tank Size: 5 Gallons
Max Size: 1 inch

Engina mendicaria, commonly known as the Bumblebee Snail, is a marine gastropod found in various warm-water regions around the world, particularly in tropical and subtropical oceans. Here are some key characteristics and information about the Bumblebee Snail:

Physical Characteristics:

1. Size: Bumblebee Snails are relatively small, with adults rarely exceeding 1 inch.
2. Appearance: The shells of the Bumblebee Snail are elongated and slender, often with a glossy appearance. They have a classic snail shape with a pointed apex (spire) and a curved aperture (shell opening). The shell has yellow and black stripes that give it its common name.

Habitat:

Bumblebee Snails are found in shallow marine environments, including intertidal zones, rocky shores, and sandy or muddy substrates. They are often associated with seagrass beds and coral reefs.

Diet:

The Bumblebee Snail is a carnivorous snail that primarily feeds on small invertebrates such as tiny marine worms, mollusks, and other small animals. They use their radula (a rasping feeding organ) to scrape or pierce the soft tissues of their prey.

Behavior:

These snails are generally slow-moving and spend much of their time crawling over the substrate in search of food. They use their keen sense of smell to locate prey.

Reproduction:

Like other gastropods, Bumblebee Snails reproduce sexually. They are dioecious, meaning individuals are either male or female. Larvae go through a planktonic stage before settling and developing into juvenile snails.

Ecological Importance:

Bumblebee Snails play a role in marine ecosystems by helping to control populations of small invertebrates, including some that may be considered pests. They are also part of the food web, serving as prey for various marine predators.

These small but ecologically important snails contribute to the biodiversity and functioning of marine ecosystems, particularly in the intertidal and subtidal zones where they are commonly found.