What is this? Id please

GoCougsKev · #1 01/02/2008, 11:08 PM

Saw this slug like creature making its way across my glass. Looks like a snail from one side and looks like a ??? from the other. Any ideas? The picture really doesn't show it well, put it has 4 identical antannas, 2 on its nose and two on top of its head.

greenbean36191 · #2 01/02/2008, 11:24 PM

It appears to be Dolabrifera, a small species of sea hare.

GoCougsKev · #3 01/02/2008, 11:35 PM

Thanks greenbean! I looked that name up in Wikipedia and it has a much better picture, but that for sure is it! From the discription, it sounds like it is a good thing to have in the tank?

filippo · #4 01/03/2008, 12:43 AM

i have 4 right now. these things grow really fast and i guess reproduce as quickly. i asked at my LFS and they told me that yes, it a good thing to have those in the tank and are reef safe. so we're cool

ScubaDiver93 · #5 01/03/2008, 12:47 AM

Just sayin' hair algae is their favorite food.

Cope · #6 01/03/2008, 01:04 AM

Some, if not most? are toxic, I had a brown one said to be non toxic.
Gave it back after it ate all my algae.

greenbean36191 · #7 01/03/2008, 08:46 AM

None are toxic unless you eat them.

Reef'in Colorado · #8 01/03/2008, 09:44 AM

I doubt they are Dolabrifera given their distribution (Australia, NZ). I have seen several that look just like that in the Carribean, but am unsure on their species.

greenbean36191 · #9 01/03/2008, 01:29 PM

Dolabrifera brazieri is from Australia and NZ. Dolabrifera dolabrifera can be found worldwide in the tropics. It's the one that occurs in the Caribbean. It's also the one that's sold in the hobby.