Is this a hitchhiking abalone snail?

[D-Captain]

Just spotted this little guy yesterday. Looks like a tiny, about the size of a BB, abalone snail.

Thanks in advance...Craig

 

[LeslieH]

Many people make this mistake. It's a Stomatella that's lacking the posterior end of it's foot. Abs don't have the two anterior tentacles, stalked eyes, or mouthtube whicle Stomatella doesn't have the row of breathing holes along one side of the shell. What's interesting is that only a couple of species of Stomatella have this flattened shell. The rest have fairly normal looking snail shells.

 

[D-Captain]

Leslie,

Thanks for the quick response. Is it safe for my reef?

Thanks...Craig

 

[LeslieH]

Yes, it's a welcome micrograzer and your's is unusually pretty.