ID Please

[dwillingm]

Can anyone identify this invert my friend found in his tank?

It is about 4-5 inches long and has a flat shape. It has a row of hard "horns" running down the center of its back, and hard horns in a crown shape around its head. The red thing on it's head in the third picture is solid like a rock. The underbelly is soft, and the backside is hard. It moves by gliding around. When he picked it up it rolled into a ball.

Is it reef safe?

Thanks.


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/51933DSC02287.JPG


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/51933DSC02290.JPG

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/51933DSC02291.JPG

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/51933ball.jpg

[Mike4284m]

I'd say some sort of chiton.

[dwillingm]

If it is a chiton, are they OK to keep with corals? Do they feed on detritus?

[Mike4284m]

You got it, they're good guys. I think one of the more recent 'id' threads has some other info on them. I myself have never had one.

[LeslieH]

Good. you've got the pics up. It's a Cryptoplax chiton. Most chitons graze on the thin film of organic life found on rock surfaces - harmless & even beneficial for your tank.

[dwillingm]

thanks for the help everyone!

[Kgoarmy17]

Seems alot of reefers have been finding these chitons lately. There area few more posts like this one floating around with the same specimens.