Freshwater snail identification?

Question

Can anyone identify these freshwater snails? They were found in the South Fork River in western North Carolina, at a quiet spot in the river. They were entirely black with no markings (see photo linked below), and about a quarter inch to an inch long. I'd love a species name and maybe some info about them. Thanks!

http://innoko.deviantart.com/art/Snails-62315347

Answer 1

I'd love to be able to just give you a name, but there's too much that's not identifiable from just the one picture. One of the main things that can't be seen is if these snails have an operculum, which is an oval piece of shell that they can pull into place over the opening to protect themselves. From there, I'd need to know how the operculum was made - if it's concentric circles (like a bulleye with the smallest at the center and getting larger outward) or spiral (one continuous growth). Maybe you'll remember this info or have additional photos. I can't send along the book I would use to identify these, but here's a link to a key to identify freshwater snails in North Carolina: http://www.cofc.edu/~fwgna/FWGNC/dkey.html If you've never used a dichotomous key before, it's not difficult as long as you know the terms. Just start at number 1, and you're given two choices - if the snail has an operculum or not. If yes, go to the number 2 set of choices, if it doesn't, go to the number 17 set. Just keep going until you reach a name. This link has a diagram which explains the anatomy so you'll know which parts are being identified as the key asks questions: http://www2.bishopmuseum.org/PBS/samoasnail/fgintro.html

There's also a page of photos from the first website: http://www.cofc.edu/~fwgna/FWGNC/gallery.html

Good luck with figuring out which species this is.

Answer 2

They are trapdoor snails, a very common snail sold for ponds. They breed easily, and many uninformed pond/aquarium owners will dump excess or unwanted numbers of them, hence finding them in a river in North Carolina.

Answer 3

If that wher me i could get a pair of keyhole cichlids, an angelfsih, a minimum of 5 to 7 corydoras catfish, 5 redeye tetras, a plecostamous, and in case you % according to probability 3 boesman's rainbow fish. the reason i discussed those fishes is by the fact I used to have all those in my 30 gallon tank yet have been given into greater aggressive species, yet besides all those fish I basically pronounced are super jointly. Oh I forgot the reason i discussed the pair of keyhole cichlids is by the fact their very non violent their particularly between the main non violent cichlids! i'm hoping I helped you in each and every way you needed!

Answer 4

cool looking snails