Is this a cowrie

Vincent100 · Dec 14, 2016

Hi all
Think I have a cowrie if that's how you spell it lol
Anyway the shell ,if it is a shell seems black with white spots
Pics are bad as lights are off , I was looking for bad hitchhikers as iv had a few lps die on me for no reason at all , they all seem to have bits of flesh missing come morning were the night before they are fine , might have a pic of the last lps to die so will post that aswell
Anyway as I said lights are off so pics are bad
Any help on this would be great
And a call out to @Lionfish Lair
Thanks all

Vincent100 · Dec 14, 2016

Tried to get better pics ....but not really lol

Tahoe61 · Dec 14, 2016

I would say yes, I doubt it has anything to do with the Fungia. Fungia are weird, they ship poorly, prone to bacterial infections with even the smallest tissue injury and require a consistent alk.

Lionfish Lair · Dec 15, 2016

I agree that it's a cowry and that it didn't cause that damage.

Vincent100 · Dec 15, 2016

Is it ok to leave in the tank than or should I send it to the sump jail

Lionfish Lair · Dec 15, 2016

I'm sorry little guy!!!! Yes, I would pull it.

Vincent100 · Dec 15, 2016

Thanks lionfish ,Tahoe

cope413 · Dec 15, 2016

No, don't pull it. It's a money cowrie. They won't go after coral. What you're seeing is the mantle. It's actual shell is white and shiny.

Lionfish Lair · Dec 15, 2016

I'll roll with what cope says, I can't ID it that closely.

Vaughn17 · Dec 15, 2016

If it is a money cowrie, I agree with cope413 that it is a harmless algae eater. I've had over a dozen of them in three tanks for several years and they don't bother coral. Most other species of cowrie will definitely consume coral, however.

cope413 · Dec 15, 2016

Look for it in the day. The mantle should be retracted. The shell will be positive ID. The size and coloration of the mantle points to money cowrie. If it is, youre lucky. They're great tank additions and not super easy to come by