Cool hitchhiker on snail shell

[Cthulukelele]

Hey I just noticed this odd growth on one of my snail's shells. The cool part is that it is constantly flipping open and closed a hair-like ring into a little hole (I assume filter feeding). What is it? I kinda love it

 

[James M]

Hard to tell form the pic any better ones ?

 

[Hitman]

^^^ I agree. When I zoom in it’s to blurry

 

[Cthulukelele]

It is hard to take a picture of because it is flicking the little hair cone in and out about once every second but I'll try to take another one

 

[Cthulukelele]

A uniform cone of little hairs flicks out of that central hole every second or so and pulls water in

 

[James M]

Either a hydroid or feather duster
Best bet is to look those up and see if those match

 

[Cthulukelele]

After looking into that, it doesn't REALLY look much like either of those things. It has a little calcified lump skeleton

 

[mike werner]

It's a barnacle if i'm not mistaken.Not sure of the scientific or other names however.

 

[Cthulukelele]

That is totally it! Thanks! Are they a welcome addition to the home aquarium? Or do they get out of control?

 

[Cthulukelele]

It is more colorful than the barnacles I see at the beach. It has like a yellow almost red rimmed opening. He's a lot cuter in person!

 

[James M]

I’ve never seen or read of a barnacle in a reef tank before

 

[Hitman]

^^^ nor have I. Awesome find!!!

 

[corbzmorris]

I’ve never seen or read of a barnacle in a reef tank before

^^^ nor have I. Awesome find!!!

They pop up every so often. Not really noticable. Usually perish after a while due to a lack of food. I have one on my Anacropora frag.

 

[kirstyflash]

I’d say barnacle too. Hope it lasts. Looks cute