Creature ID, please.

[Doug]

Hi Dr. Ron,

Could you please ID this strange creature that I found in my tank tonight. It looks like some sort or snail and it gives me the creeps. Also can you tell me if it is good or bad?

Here is a picture. Sorry it is a little blurry.

http://www.hawkfish.org/images/dontknow.jpg

It looks like it is at least 2.5 inches long and 1.5 inches wide.

TIA

Doug

[rshimek]

Hi Doug,

It is a chiton. A type of mollusk. Chitons are mostly grazers on coralline algae, but they are slow grazers and basically harmless.

Here is an address to tell you about them.

http://www.animalnetwork.com/fish2/aqfm/1999/aug/wb/default.asp

Neat critters! :)

[Doug]

Hi Ron,

Thanks so much for the quick help and great info! Now I can sleep tonight.;)

Doug