Found this in my tank...

[Rpierce]

Does anyone know what this is? It was kind of flat when it was alive. Here are some pics...

Thanks in advance
Rick

 

[yoboyjdizz]

I don't know what it might be but what did you find it doing while in your tank?

 

[Rpierce]

He was in the sand. I was taking out old snail and crab shells and found him while running my hand through the top layers of the sand.

 

[carlso63]

I think that is a Chiton... a harmless invert related to limpets and abolones (I think)

But it looks kind of fuzzy for that... maybe some kind of bristleworm then?

Or maybe there are "fuzzy Chitons"

 

[revenant]

looks like a chiton to me also.. they always have 8 segments on their back... and are harmless.

 

[Rpierce]

It is fuzzy on the outer rim. There are little spines that stick in your finger when you touch it. <-- speaking from experience.

 

[Anemone]

It was a chiton. Harmless (and cool) hitchhiker.

Kevin

 

[Rpierce]

I was just looking at it again. I think its still alive.

It's it cool looking, but not cool enough to go back in my tank!

 

[demonsp]

Nice hitckhicker. Hope he lives. Just another reason for a refugium to isolate unkown critters.

 

[zach0660]

They are good for the tank,, throw him in your fuge if you have one.

 

[H2OLUVSME]

If hes not dead Ill take him. I agree its a chiton and beneficial.

Check out one of the good doctors atricles to why you should reconsider keeping him
http://web.archive.org/web/20030618...etwork.com/fish2/aqfm/1999/aug/wb/default.asp