snails that only come out during feeding?

They are probably Nassarius, and I agree, they're very cool. As for ID'ing them, though, the snoot/snout/snooter/siphon isn't much of a diagnostic characteristic, contrary to what is passed around the forums, even by some of the authors and reef experts. There are many snails with similar siphons, and some of the ones that look most like Nassarius species are the predatory whelks. Animal-wise, that is. They can be easily separated by shell characteristics in most cases (mainly the aperture), and the opercula are usually different.

Cheers,




Don

 

I also had Nassarius snails in my order from reefcleaners and they are worth the buy and fun to watch

 

Thanks for the clarification, Don.