Unknown critter

[angieg1123]

I found this in my tank. Is it good or bad? Can I put it back in the tank? What is it? It looks like a slug with a small flat shell on its back. What does it eat?

Thanks, Angie

 

[SLOANMAN]

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=2090 looks like this to me..

 

[capncapo]

Stomatella varia.

They are beneficial, harmless algae grazers. Put it back in the tank and enjoy it.

 

[angieg1123]

Thanks!! I will put it back now. I can't believe its been in there for a year and I have never seen it. I'm glad its a good guy!

Angie

 

[capncapo]

They don't normally come out during the "day". As soon as the lights come on they "run for cover". If you're there to witness it, you'll notice how quickly a snail can move. They are fast.

 

[angieg1123]

it is fast that's for sure. I read that they like cooler temps (72-76) so I put it in my Sea horse tank.The temp in the SH tank is 73 at all times. (H. Redi) Because there is lower flow in there, there is more algae for it to eat.

The only reason I even noticed it on the rock was because as I was walking by I noticed what looked like little puffs of smoke comming out of a rock. It was this little critter that was doing it. I also read that this was it's spawning behavior. Since there wasn't another one, it was pointless, lol.
What kind of algae do they eat? Hair algae by chance? I have 2 spots about the size of a nickel each of Hair algae in the SH tank. Not out of hand but still there. I bought a lawnmower blenny to take care of that but he doesn't touch it. Go figure!

Angie

 

[capncapo]

Actually, they do better at reef temperatures as they are reef creatures. The seahorse tank may be a little cool for it.

You may have many more that you have not seen so don't discount the possibility of spawning.

They are not big hair algae grazers but keep the glass on the tank pretty clean if you have enough of them.

 

[The steven liu]

Good guys, they are part of your cleaning crew, and they'll breed easily too.