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View Full Version : What Worm Is This?? Its 18 Yrs Old Too!!


BryanBusza
09/16/2006, 08:44 PM
Hi,
I am helping my neighbor set up his first tank. I purchased some live rock from a fellow reef-club member who is moving and temporarily getting out of hobby. He has been reefing for a long time about 18 years.

Yesterday, when I went to check up on my neighbors tank, he was excited about a large strange looking hitchhicker which was poking out of the rocks. He drew a rough sketch at the time (which wasnt much help his art skills are a little better than mine).

We later saw part of the worm tucked down in the hole. I had no idea what I was looking at. His base color is brown with white mottling. Hes about an inch in diameter and a undetermined length. When he has come out he comes out no more than 3 to for inches.

I contacted my friend who gave us the rock and he said that the worm was close to the age of his tank 18 years.

My neighbor was able to snap a couple pictures of the guy as he poked out for a snack -- I guess.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j281/jbuzz33/HITCHHIKER/Picture0571.jpg

BryanBusza
09/16/2006, 08:46 PM
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j281/jbuzz33/HITCHHIKER/Picture0551.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j281/jbuzz33/HITCHHIKER/Picture05421.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j281/jbuzz33/HITCHHIKER/Picture05221.jpg

ophiuroid
09/16/2006, 10:42 PM
Looks rather like a chiton to me.... :confused: A similar one is called Cryptoplax.


Edit: ah, check here:

http://www.seaslugforum.net/display.cfm?id=8502

BryanBusza
09/16/2006, 10:54 PM
that looks like him. Thanks!

Anyone who knows the species? Or have a similar chiton? What are your experiences?

LeslieH
09/17/2006, 01:44 AM
There are a number of species in the genus. An expert would have to look at the animal to determine which one it is. Nothing to worry about - nearly all chitons are grazers on microalgae, bacteria, diatoms, etc.

johnnybravo234
09/18/2006, 08:35 PM
Take good care of the old geezer.