Unknown invert, ID help
Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: Invertebrates
Forum Description: This is the place to ask questions about invertebrates.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=28058
Printed Date: September 21 2025 at 10:52pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Unknown invert, ID help
Posted By: Slick Eelie
Subject: Unknown invert, ID help
Date Posted: September 13 2008 at 9:56pm
On rare occasions I see this creature in one specific rock in my tank. It moves extremely slow and only comes out after the metal halides go off. I'm not certian, but I think it created all of the holes in the rock where it lives. Has anyone ever seen one or know what it is? It is about the diameter of a dime and 2 inches long. It has a white belly and a brown top with very distinct markings.
 ------------- James Mellor Eagle Mountain 210 gallon reef |
Replies:
Posted By: Cameron
Date Posted: September 13 2008 at 10:06pm
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I have no idea!
------------- [COLOR="Red"](801)664-4240 |
Posted By: Mike Savage
Date Posted: September 13 2008 at 11:26pm
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It is hard to tell from your description and picture. Could it be a stomatella?
Mike -------------  |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: September 14 2008 at 7:55pm
I can't see a white belly and brown top with distinct markings, but I think I see something familiar. If you could crop and enlarge that photo before posting it, we could be more certain, but I wonder if I'm seeing a Mantis Shrimp.
Disregarding the posted pic but going on what Mike was suggesting, does it look like a snail or a shrimp? If it looks like snail, another thought is that it's a Chiton or Cowrie. ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member 
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Posted By: lockdown
Date Posted: September 15 2008 at 10:10am
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cowry - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cowry
Does it look like any of these in this picture?
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Posted By: lockdown
Date Posted: September 15 2008 at 10:12am
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Or these?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiton - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiton
I think Mark is on the right track.
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Posted By: Slick Eelie
Date Posted: September 15 2008 at 2:27pm
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I think you're right Marshall. It looks like the chilton shell in the link. I have another photo on my pc at home that shows better color. I'll try to crop it and upload it later today.
It definately isn't a shrimp. It is more slug like, with no appendages. ------------- James Mellor Eagle Mountain 210 gallon reef |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: September 15 2008 at 2:36pm
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I love chitons. They are boring but very useful. ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
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Posted By: Slick Eelie
Date Posted: September 15 2008 at 2:40pm
Here is another photo Mark. The image quality is bad after I cropped it.
 ------------- James Mellor Eagle Mountain 210 gallon reef |