What is this creature???

[guntercb]

Hello,

I have some sort of caterpiller type creature in my tank. I was curious if anyone can help me ID it?

Here are some pictures of it:

and

Thanks,
Chris

 

[BlitzK]

some kinda flatworm?

 

[DaddyJax]

Is that a limpet?

 

[Sk8r]

Looks like a chiton? If it is, they're harmless and desirable.

 

[DaddyJax]

I may have to go with some sort of Nudi.



Grasping at straws....

 

[PelagicMagic]

does look like a chiton w/o the plates. Maybe another species

is it nocturnal?

here is a chiton that looks like one in my tank

 

[guntercb]

I know it has been in my tank at least 1 year. I believe it to be harmless. This is the best photos I have gotten of it. It is indeed nocturnal.

Reef creatures are amazing.

My initial looking on Google made me think it was a Chiton. But I really have no clue.

Can anyone else help with the identy of this thing?

Cheers,
Chris

 

[jmicky41]

It is a crytoplax chiton. They have a leathery covering on the surface, unlike most chitons which look armor plated (like pelagicmagic posted).

 

[guntercb]

Micky,

I just googled cyptoplax chiton and I see a picture that looks just like the creature in my tank. Thanks.

Here is the picture of the cyptoplax chiton:

 

[Warnberg]

Hey do they eat hair algae?

 

[guntercb]

Dave,

I have not seen it eating. But my algae does currently seem to be in "check". So maybe it does. (-:

Cheers,
Chris

 

[Warnberg]

Well according to everything I have read they are algae eaters..... humm, I'll take 3 please....

 

[guntercb]

Dave,

No wonder he is been with me for a year. He want go too hungry in my tank. )-: If I see any offspring. I will let you know. (-:

I do have about 100 baby snails. I think they may be trucus snails. They are very tiny. I don't know how fast they grow, but if they get to a decent size. I may be in the snail business. (-:

Chris

 

[Warnberg]

Well, if there is anything that likes hair algae that I do not have already I'll take them cause I can grow hair algae with the best of them....