[kbsig106]

Limpets, you know - those cone shaped Molluscs.


I've had (3) over a period of 20 months. So far (2) have died over that period and seem to have a life span of about 9 months. Is this accurate? I was just wondering because they can clean 10x as much as a turbo snail can and these guys are like bulldozers on the back glass and live rock.

The one that died was about the size of a half dollar.


Thanks for any info!

[Ninong]

Originally Posted by kbsig106

Limpets, you know - those cone shaped Molluscs.


I've had (3) over a period of 20 months. So far (2) have died over that period and seem to have a life span of about 9 months. Is this accurate? I was just wondering because they can clean 10x as much as a turbo snail can and these guys are like bulldozers on the back glass and live rock.

The one that died was about the size of a half dollar.


Thanks for any info!

Limpets rarely survive more than a few months in our aquaria according to Dr. Ron Shimek in this article: http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-06/rs/index.htm

[kbsig106]

Originally Posted by Ninong

Limpets rarely survive more than a few months in our aquaria according to Dr. Ron Shimek in this article: http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-06/rs/index.htm

Thanks for the link!!!


By far, the period of time I've had the three limpets - they've done the work of 12 turbo snails. I'm quite impressed with the efficiency of these animals.

On a side note, the article mentions that they eat coralline. I have to admit I have not come accross that behavior in my tank. They limpets seem to solely eat the green and red aglae (The Slime). The turbo's wouldn't touch it - so the Limpets had the run of the back glass.

[philip711]

I have many in my 75 gallon reef they do a great job.

[kbsig106]

Originally Posted by philip711

I have many in my 75 gallon reef they do a great job.

I watched the one I have left in the tank over the weekend. The Limpet cleaned about half of the back glass in less than 24 hours. He cleaned close to 20" on glass!!! Very efficient...