[Tsar]

I've got a new animal roaming about that I have never seen. It's black in color about the size of a nickel, flat in shape with a small dome and a white stripe down it's back! It sort of looks like a snail with no shell.
Can anyone tell me what this is? Where it came from? Is it a plus or a minus for my reef system?

[zhenya]

Originally Posted by Tsar

I've got a new animal roaming about that I have never seen. It's black in color about the size of a nickel, flat in shape with a small dome and a white stripe down it's back! It sort of looks like a snail with no shell.
Can anyone tell me what this is? Where it came from? Is it a plus or a minus for my reef system?

Hi Tsar,

I believe what you describing is a limpet type snail and the white part that you are seeng actually IS its shell that is obscured by the limpets mantle/skirt.

Here's a pic for you to compare your animal. FWIW,I had one as well but it had died after about a year in my tank. They do tend to come as a hitchhighkers and some are algae grazers(like mine was) and some could eat other stuff.

PS.And here is a link to another picture and general description of the beastie in question

http://www.seaslugforum.net/scutus.htm

[Tsar]

Thanks Zhenya, that's the critter. Seems to be grazing on alge only, but I'll be keeping my eye on it!

[zhenya]

Originally Posted by Tsar

Thanks Zhenya, that's the critter. Seems to be grazing on alge only, but I'll be keeping my eye on it!

You are very welcome
Good luck with your snail,I happened to loved my Scutus and felt very bad when he had passed on
It was an algae grazing variety as well and grew nicely for me.