I have some Zebra hermits that are frequently looking to upgrade their shells, and have pestered various snails in the course of hermit events. The latest run was after I added six Cerith snails to the tank. Despite having extra shells in the tank, the hermits went for the ceriths.
It is pretty ridiculous for the hermit to wear a elongated shell that runs perpendicular to their path. Makes movement across the
LR fairly awkward and tenuous. Perhaps it is a fashion statement?
Two Ceriths fell victim to the hermit onslaught, and a third was on the way. When I discovered the hermit who had left his shell to occupy the now vacant Cerith, it was just in time to see a speeding Nassarius bearing down on the defenseless hermit. I tried twice to dissuade the Nassarius, but he remained determined to strike back on behalf of his brethren. I relented, and watched as the Nass wrapped his foot around the hermit, as if to constrict or smother the poor sod.
Just another form of competition dynamic in the tank.
