Something in my sump, PLEASE HELP! (1 Viewer)

[tthouston]

I showed something strange in my sump, are they ok in there?

 

[Diesel]

Limpets, the most common variety encountered in a reef aquarium is the keyhole limpet. They are a common import with live rock, and are typically colored in a mottled brown, black and tan pattern, and do not have a mantle that covers their shell. The Keyhole Limpets are typically half an inch long, or smaller, and feed on unwanted filamentous algae, cyanobacteria, diatoms and even hydroids. Unfortunately, in the SPS aquarium, they will also feed on the tissue of SPS corals. As with many of the snail species, it is best to physically remove the limpet if you are unsure of its species and diet. Some limpet species are herbivores and are beneficial to even a reef aquarium. But even the herbivores can become harmful if there is not enough food for them in the aquarium. Limpets will typically not reproduce to any significant number in the aquarium, and physical removal is usually a sufficient control for the SPS coral aquarist.

 

[tthouston]

I got it. Thank you.

 

[OceansX]

Here's the info from a foremost reef tank biologist:

The Grazing Snails, Part II - Abalones, Limpets and Nerites by Ronald L. Shimek, Ph.D. - Reefkeeping.com

 

[tthouston]

Thank you for your link.