ID needed - Kevin, have a peek

[KathyM]

These two snails came from Phebe this morning. The older one is related to Kevin's that he posted on this board a while back. I'm not sure how much the younger one is related (different batch) but she is practically identical.

I've had a look at the larger one's columnella, and from what I can see it is about the same colour as the main colour of her shell (although she didn't like me peeking so may have to get a better look when she's settled in).

one of these pics do the pink apex justice - they are bright hot pinky cherry colour. Fabulous darling!

Older one (about 6-6.5cm):






(with Jethro the other Phebe snail for comparison)


And baby (2-2.5cm):





I had to get closer for the pics of the baby so the flash has drained a lot of the pink colour out of the pics.

Off to post for advice in problems (baby has extensive shell damage from journey)....

[Kevin]

Very nice snails, the larger one is really nice, it looks like my mostly yellow one, which also has a pink apex. You can see the apex colour clearer in your pics, in the ones I got it isnt as noticable, but the apex is very similar in colour to some of my ones from Phebe

[Deleted]

I'd say they're both albopicta.

CONGRATULATIONS ;D

[KathyM]

WAAAAAHOOOOO!!! *jumps up and down*

I'd have been happy whatever they turned out to be as they're so gorgeous, but you know how I feel about albos!

[Deleted]

yes theyre beautiful, i was happy when i got my one aswell.

wish you luck with looking after them, and i hope they breed ;D

[Paul]

I think it may be too early to tell. Basically albopicta are very large snails, reaching 15cm+ with 8-10 whorls.

Also, the shell should be reticulated, not as much as reticulata but very similar and the shell shape should be very similar. These two types are very similar.

Some of these may not show themselves until they are older though, at the moment from the pics I can't see any difference between them and fulica (except for shell colour but as I'm sure we all agree that's highly variable) but I agree, the red apex is unusual and probably does indicate some albopicta-ishness lol.

[KathyM]

Sorry I should've said, the older one is quite textured on the shell (can't really inspect the little one closely until I sort her shell damage). Not as much as Lisa's reti, but more so than my fulicas.

[KathyM]

Just had peek at the extra photos I took - the little one is quite textured too. Haven't got time to post the pic now (son's rugby match to get to), but when I get a chance I'll post it

[section8angel]

Oooooo they're gorgeous Kathy!! *Steals* Just kidding lol

[LisaLQ]

Too late, I'm going to steal them first *lol*

I hope they breed ;D

[sezzy5889]

yes, Kathy you may be one of the first people on here to breed and sell them out, therefore increasing the population in captivity :-) ;D

Bagsy second!!! after Lisa ;D ;p

[LisaLQ]

I think even with the possibility of being crossed with something, they happen to be the prettiest snails (other than my own of course *smug grin*) I've ever seen ;D

Saying that, I've only seen photos like the rest of you but wow - how different are they?!

[Paul]

Looking at them more, and with what you confirmed about texture, the slim shell with red apex, thin irregular, broken stripes, they do look like albopicta. I only have black and white shell photos, but looking at them without colour, you really can't tell between them and reticulata. Using that as a guide, since we have reticulata, the more reticulata shaped it becomes; slender, an elongated shell, aperture length about 40-45% of the shell length etc. the more likely it becomes that they are albopicta.

[KathyM]

Thanks Paul (and everyone else). Just need to think of names now!

[KathyM]

Just a quick update - both these snails seem to be growing quite fast. Stella (the larger one) has about 1.5cm of new growth from the last 4 days, the baby (Logan) has had nearly the same amount of growth ;D

[section8angel]

Grow and breed grow and breed Lol

Glad they're doing well. Any new pics? ;D

[KathyM]

LOL I was meant to borrow Lisa's camera last night but we forgot, will post some ASAP. ;D

[sam]

they really are stunning Kathy!!!

[KathyM]

Here are some new pics ;D

We'll start with Logan who has been quite educational this week *lol*.


As you can see, loads of new shell growth. The interesting thing about the new growth is that the darker stripes are quite quick to develop as opposed to fulicas, and they're also bright blackcurrant Ribena purple. ;D The pic doesn't do the colour justice.





You can also see how the end whorls are much smaller than his main one, very much like pics I've seen of other juvi albos.


Now for Stella - just really a pic fest with her (more on the pics board that aren't worth missing).





I tried to get a pic of the texture of her shell but it's very hard with the flash, and macro is rubbish without the flash. Also I've noticed her new growth is much more like that of Lisa's reticulata than of our fulicas - thicker and almost rubbery.

Both seems to be growing quickly at the moment

[LisaLQ]

They're so beautiful - I cant wait for them to grow up and breed! ;D

[KathyM]

LOL might take a while with little Loganberry ;D Have to work out who's the egg was too *lol*.

[Deleted]

yeh i agree with lisa they are beautiful ;D much more yellow-shelled than my albo. mine has thick dark stripes.

[section8angel]

Oooooo so pretty.

[KathyM]

Thanks ;D