Snail with no shell-what is it?

[chilihedkc]

I have been seeing an animal in my tank that looks like a snail, but has no shell. It moves faster than a snail, and is about 5/8 of an inch long. Sort of a brown color. Don't have a camera so can't provide a pic. Any ideas as to what this thing might be?

 

[returnofsid]

If possible, check to see if it has a very small, "fingernail" shaped shell, just on it's back. If so, it's a Stomatella snail. If there is absolutely no shell, it's likely a sea slug of some kind. if it's a Stomatella, it's perfectly reef safe, and beneficial. If it's a slug, the degree of reef safeness will depend on the species of sea slug. To identify a sea slug down to the species, pictures will most likely be needed.

 

[tipmoff]

This is only a guess but I'm thinking it is a Limpet. I have a Brown Soft Shelled Limpet in my tank. It is difficult to find a pic of the no shell or leather type shell limpet but look on google and she if the shape and size match. My type aren't as tall as the ones on the web. Typically limpets are reef safe and will move around similar to snails.

 

[Potsy]

I agree... probably a stomatella. They breed like rabbits.

 

[BuddhaKiss]

Stomatella

 

[saltwatercityma]

Escargot

 

[YoungReefer06]

I agree it is probably a Stomatella varia, they can move very quickly. The do have a reduced shell shaped like a fingernail that can be a variety of colors (hence species name varia) often blending in with the color of the snail itself. Interesting thing about them is that they can drop the rear portion of their foot like some lizards can drop their tails.

Kyle

 

[sanchoy]

If this is the little guy than its a Stomatella Snail. Very fast compared to other snails, they should be called mini-noss snails. With the ability to lose its rear end when captured (similar to a lizard).

These little fellas are reef-safe and eat algae..