Invert identification help

[Serra]

A friend had an invert that he claimed ate algae. It was black, rectangular with rounded corners, flat...he called it a limpet but they seem to have shells when I Google them. Any one have any idea what this was?

 

[kpk]

I have them too they multiply like crazy and eat up the algae. Mine are like the stomatellas. Here is a link.
http://seashellsofnsw.org.au/Trochidae/Pages/stomatella_impertusa.htm
http://www.infochembio.ethz.ch/links/en/zool_weicht_schnecken_stomatellidae.html
Mine are also solid black.

Kyle

 

[Serra]

OK...forgot to say, no shell on his.

 

[Travis L. Stevens]

It's most likely a scutus, a type of limpet. They do have a shell, but the snail's mantle usually comes up and over it. There is also a slight chance that it is a chiton. Which has eight shells along its back in an articulated manner.

Scutus

Scutus with a little shell exposed

Chiton

 

[Serra]

It was a scutus. Once again Travis, you are a font of info...Thanks! So, think a flame hawk would have it eaten in a matter of moments?

 

[Serra]

Make that a fount of info but to the letter, you are informed. :thumbsup:

 

[Travis L. Stevens]

That's a tough call. How "mean" is your hawkfish? There is a chance that it will and a chance that it won't. It more or less depends on your fish's tempermant. I wouldn't put it past him to show it down though.

 

[captbunzo]

I am less doubtful of a hawkfish eating one of these. From what I know, they are more predators of shrimp and other crustaceans.

Btw... One interesting note. Some Limpets, specifically Keyhole Limpets, are known to (sometimes) be prone to eat hydroids, which can be a plague. In my tank at home, for instance, I have some hydroids that are slowly spreading. So far, fortunately, nothing seems to be bothered by them in the least.

The best critter, from my research, for hydroid elimination is a Blue Dragon Nudibranch (Pteraeolidia ianthina). They are beautiful little critters that seem to be very hard to find. Here is a link to a bit more about them.

http://www.seaslugforum.net/factsheet.cfm?base=pteriant

And some spectacular pictures.

You may now continue your regularly scheduled thread...

 

[nIx_tank]

Wow, that is one sweet looking nudi!