Identifying a few critters - can you help?

Snappy · #1 01-04-2010, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newreefer_59

Attached photos are not great, but hopefully good enough.

The first is of a small (1/2 inch) snail like animal in my tank and there seem to be a few of them. Are they harmless?

The second are small worm like critters in my sump. Are they ok just left there and is it a good idea to remove them and/or place some old coral within my sump?

Many thanks.

All are harmless and good for the system. Just leave them as they are.

Delphinus · #2 01-04-2010, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snappy

All are harmless and good for the system. Just leave them as they are.

+1

First is a stomatella snail, and the second is a kind of fanworm. Both beneficial.

ferret · #3 01-04-2010, 07:22 PM

the 1st photo looks like a cowrie

Myka · #4 01-04-2010, 10:41 PM

The second photo is Spirorbid worms. They are beneficial filter feeders. I also think the first one is a Stomatella. Does it look like the photo with a small semi-flat shell on it's back?

newreefer_59 · #5 01-05-2010, 03:55 PM

Thanks!!

Bloodasp · #6 01-05-2010, 10:16 PM

i have 5 of those suddenly showed up 4 months after my tank had been set up all different color.

Myka · #7 01-06-2010, 02:31 AM

Stomatellas will breed in the reef too. Their population will flourish and fade according to how much food is in the tank. Nice to have a self-adjusting clean up crew.