ID needed

[rjs5134]

This may be a moot point now that the QT may have crashed, but I've seen 2 of these slug like creatures in the QT that had to come from frags recently purchased. They seem to be algae, or even cyano eaters and are primarily nocturnal. They are less than an inch long, whitish with a grey speckling on the top. They look exactly like a slug. The question is what is it and is it ok to add to display tank, sump or should it be flushed?

[Ninong]

I can't make out anything in your photograph.

[kevinpo]

From your description and the common appearance as hitchhikers you most likely have a snail with the common name "Reef Bunny" due to their ability to reproduce. The latin name is Stomatella varia. The coloration can be quite variable. Black, brown, yellow, and spotted are all common colors. You should be able to find many pictures on the internet to ID them by.
Here is a link to an article on this board:
http://www.reefland.com/rho/0305/medprod3.php

HTH,
Kevin

[rjs5134]

Kevin I think you got it!! I would definately agree they are stomatella snails. I've done a search and found nothing negative and a little positive info concerning them. Now the question is, would the general consensus be to put them in the display tank or not? What would be the benefits of having them?

Thanks for the info.

Rob

[Ninong]

You didn't mention a cap shell in your original description. As long as you are sure that they are Stomatella varia you should add them to your tank. They are beneficial grazers that will multiply like crazy provided you don't have hermit crabs that will eat them.

They are nocturnal, or at least mine were. If you can catch one climbing up the front glass and take a close-up, in-focus picture of the underneath view, it's quite distinctive and easy to identify that way.

[rjs5134]

I didn't notice the small shell the few times I've seen them, but the pictures in Kevin's post is what I've seen. Sooo, enough said, I will add them. I will also get that underside photo to post. I have 2 hermits in my 65gal and a snowflake eel in the sump. I guess I'll wait til I have more to move them, I'd hat to lose the 2 I have.

[Minh Nguyen]

Shrimp and crab will eat them for dinner until they are all gone. To keep these snails, you should have no crab or shrimp in your tank.