Hammerhead critter? Growth?

Rourou · Jun 27, 2022

Hello all,

I noticed this worm like growth on my hammerhead that is bright red. I though it was a critter but noticed it is rock solid and feels as if part of the coral itself. Does this look normal and what is it?

fishguy242 · Jun 27, 2022

hi, looks like a vermetid snail, carefully try to crush and remove, or super glue shut.

vetteguy53081 · Jun 27, 2022

Do not crush as this worm will find the next home. Break off tube at base with pliers or needlenose and discard, or place gel superglue from dollar store over opening and its palps will get stuck to glue and it will starve

EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal · Jun 28, 2022

fishguy242 said:
hi, looks like a vermetid snail, carefully try to crush and remove, or super glue shut.

In this case, I wouldn't use super glue. The snail will likely burrow out through the hammer skeleton if the tube opening is blocked.

fishguy242 · Jun 28, 2022

agree must "gently" crush tube and then place glue on skeleton.
"gently" not to damage/crack skeleton by prying off.
this being done outside of tank of course.

EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal · Jun 28, 2022

fishguy242 said:
agree must "gently" crush tube and then place glue on skeleton.
"gently" not to damage/crack skeleton by prying off.
this being done outside of tank of course.

If it's done outside the tank, crush, scrape, pry the casing off the coral and rinse well in a container of tank water. You can even use a toothbrush to gently scrub the skeleton. This should be enough to dislodge the now homeless snail from the frag before putting it back in the tank. Just crushing the shell won't necessarily kill the snail, and the glue doesn't serve much purpose.
Glue is a great way to deal with vermetids on rocks though.

Rourou · Jun 28, 2022

Thanks for the replies. I just put super glue on the covering from the earlier posts I saw. Guess I will crush the skeleton and try to dislodge snail with toothbrush. My wife cant stand it, she thinks it looks disgusting and the hammer is her favorite coral!

my nem just decided to take a walk from the other side of the tank today too! Just one thing after another!