Hitchhiker?

[KateV]

Any guesses what is attached to this cerith snail? Just got our invertebrates yesterday and noticed this hitchhiker appears to be living. Is it ok for the tank?

 

[DSC reef]

Looks like a barnacle

 

[Oldsalt01]

Does it move around on the cerith's shell? It sorta looks like a keyhole limpet but if it doesn't move it's not. Could be a barnacle too. Or any number of other things. Sorry I'm not more help.

 

[KateV]

Does it move around on the cerith's shell? It sorta looks like a keyhole limpet but if it doesn't move it's not. Could be a barnacle too. Or any number of other things. Sorry I'm not more help.

Barnacle was my first thought too. Haven’t had them long enough to know if it moves around the shell but will keep an eye on it.

If it is either of those, is it safe for the tank? Thanks!

 

[Oldsalt01]

Both are reef safe. Barnacles are filter feeders and most limpets eat algae. U'll know if it's a barnacle because u'll see a feathery sweeper come out of the center slot, if it's alive. Just keep an eye on it, but it should be ok.

 

[KateV]

It’s definitely a barnacle, watching the sweeper extend to feed. Pretty cool little surprise

 

[Darryl]

Yes it is a Barnacle
Name him Bill and sing the song
"im Barnicle Bill the Hitching Sailor"

 

[KateV]

Yes it is a Barnacle
Name him Bill and sing the song
"im Barnicle Bill the Hitching Sailor"

[emoji4] we’ve already declared the cerith Barney, the barnacle will henceforth be known as Bill