hitchhiker id

[NirvanaFan]

I have had my live rock for about 16 months now. I have never seen this creature before. The best description I can give of it is that it looks like a thin clam mantle (I know it's not a clam) that retracts when it gets light on it. I have a poor quality pic. I know I've seen pics of these on the boards here, but I can't remember what it's called. I've isolated the rock from others, and could try to get a better pic, but I'm not promising anything. I know someone will refresh me on what this is.

 

[charlesr1958]

I can't make out anything "Clam" like and only see some tube worms.

Chuck

 

[NirvanaFan]

It's in the hole between the two tube worms. The bright white thing is actually a light reflection off of the creature. It kind of looks like a typical derasa clam mantle. I'll see if I can get a better picture once the lights come on.

 

[kotu100]

look something like that? its a flat worm, get rid of it ASAP.

 

[NirvanaFan]

Actually, that looks exactly like the one from my tank. Why do you say get rid of it ASAP. This has probably been in my tank for over a year now. Could this be the reason why I can't keep snails? It seems like over the course of a few weeks, they die. Those stomatella are doing well though.

 

[kotu100]

its EXACTLY the reason you cant keep snails, that thing is killing/eating them. also if u ever got a clam... say good-bye. they look like that so they can perch themselves on the clam mantle and eat away without being noticed.

 

[ILoveReefer]

Heres another pic with a brief description http://www.melevsreef.com/id/lg_flatworm.html

 

[NirvanaFan]

So what is the best way to catch them? Buy a couple live clams from the grocery store, and tie one to a fishing line at night and wait it out?
Or Could I put a half clam or so in a dark container, and see if the flatworm stays in there when the lights come on?

 

[JamesBryan]

If you get him I'll gladly pay shipping to send him my way. I collect reef "pests". I have plenty of feeder snails to keep it happy. I don't have this type of flatworm.

PS I'll take all sorts of "pest" animals. I am particularly looking for colorful majona anemones curretly.

 

[WolfinLV]

I guess what they say is true... one man's pest is another man's pet

LOL

 

[JamesBryan]

Don't laugh. I have an apistasia anemone collection too. I ask for bryopsis to feed my critters as well. One RC member has been kind enough to keep sending me baggies in an envelope.

Now....you can laugh.

 

[Brewman12er]

wow james lol baggies in an envelope.. lol

 

[JamesBryan]

that's the thing with algae, you just need a little to survive

 

[BuddhaKiss]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12946772#post12946772 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JamesBryan
Don't laugh. I have an apistasia anemone collection too. I ask for bryopsis to feed my critters as well. One RC member has been kind enough to keep sending me baggies in an envelope.

Now....you can laugh.

Dude, I totally agree. I had an aiptasia tank as well. I put asterina stars in there (they're not huge pests, but just in case), sundials and pyramid snails.