Snail ID

Gtinnel · Dec 10, 2021

I have started to find these small snails in my overflow box and in my sump. I actually noticed them because as I was cleaning out my skimmer cup there were a few of them in it near the top of the "neck"
Here is a picture of the bottom of it

Here is a picture from the side

I asked for an ID but I'm almost positive they're limpets. My question actually is are limpets a good part of a CUC or a possible SPS eater. I've heard both online and I'm not sure if I should enjoy them being there or throw away any I see.
Also I've never seen a single one in my display.

vetteguy53081 · Dec 10, 2021

I see a limpet or two and many spirobid worms

Gtinnel · Dec 10, 2021

vetteguy53081 said:
I see a limpet or two and many spirobid worms

Yea I'm aware of the masses of spirorbids its really a question of are limpets SPS safe? I've read mixed opinions.

vetteguy53081 · Dec 10, 2021

Gtinnel said:
Yea I'm aware of the masses of spirorbids its really a question of are limpets SPS safe? I've read mixed opinions.

They are. Very good algae eaters

Goaway · Dec 10, 2021

Gtinnel said:
Yea I'm aware of the masses of spirorbids its really a question of are limpets SPS safe? I've read mixed opinions.

I seen information where limpets prefer soft coral. Never heard anything on sps

Goaway · Dec 10, 2021

But, a melanuras wrasse would surely enjoy a nice limpet population..... As i never see mine anymore.

JPM San Diego · Dec 10, 2021

There is a huge number of limpet species. They are not all from the same family; different families of gastropods are called limpets due to similar morphology. It comes as no surprise that different limpets consume different foods. Without know which limpet species you have you can't be sure if they would eat SPD corals.

Gtinnel · Dec 10, 2021

Mibu said:
But, a melanuras wrasse would surely enjoy a nice limpet population..... As i never see mine anymore.

That would explain why I never see them in the display. I absolutely love the melanarus wrasse it seems like any pest problem I have he fixes for me.
The thing I read about limpets and SPS I think was specifically talking about the keyhole limpet, which these are not.

Gtinnel · Dec 10, 2021

JPM San Diego said:
There is a huge number of limpet species. They are not all from the same family; different families of gastropods are called limpets due to similar morphology. It comes as no surprise that different limpets consume different foods. Without know which limpet species you have you can't be sure if they would eat SPD corals.

Is there any specific physical characteristics to look for that would make it a species that is more of a risk?

JPM San Diego · Dec 10, 2021

Apparently key hole and slit limpets are "no bueno"

From Dr. Ron's Grazing Snails - Part II article:
"Finally, there are the keyhole and slit limpets. These are limpet-shaped snails with a perforation on the top of the shell (keyhole limpets) or a slit on either the front or rear shell margins (slit limpets). These animals are all decidedly carnivorous and will eat sponges, soft corals and other sessile animals. I have no heard of any specific reports of them eating corals, but I suspect they would also do this. Consequently, unless you are willing to put up with some predation on coralline algae or some of the animals in your system, I would leave limpets to the sea."

Gtinnel · Dec 10, 2021

JPM San Diego said:
Apparently key hole and slit limpets are "no bueno"

From Dr. Ron's Grazing Snails - Part II article:
"Finally, there are the keyhole and slit limpets. These are limpet-shaped snails with a perforation on the top of the shell (keyhole limpets) or a slit on either the front or rear shell margins (slit limpets). These animals are all decidedly carnivorous and will eat sponges, soft corals and other sessile animals. I have no heard of any specific reports of them eating corals, but I suspect they would also do this. Consequently, unless you are willing to put up with some predation on coralline algae or some of the animals in your system, I would leave limpets to the sea."

Thanks for that. I know these aren't the keyhole limpets, and I don't believe they have a slit but I wasn't specifically looking when I had a few out of the tank a few days ago. I had actually not read anything about the slit limps and didn't know about them. I will do some research and take a closer look at a few of their shells to be sure.

Goaway · Dec 10, 2021

Ive had plenty of limpets before. Never touched a soft coral or sps. I know there are predatory limpets. Those would be easy to spot before they mass produce.

Goaway · Dec 10, 2021

Gtinnel said:
Thanks for that. I know these aren't the keyhole limpets, and I don't believe they have a slit but I wasn't specifically looking when I had a few out of the tank a few days ago. I had actually not read anything about the slit limps and didn't know about them. I will do some research and take a closer look at a few of their shells to be sure.

The best you can do. Also safest route. Personally, a lot of things get a bad rep because of a cousin.

Gtinnel · Dec 10, 2021

If a melanarus wrasse will eat them then it wouldn't matter either way because they won't make it to my corals. I did think it was weird that I have quite a few in my sump but I've never seen a single one in the display. I never considered that my melanarus was eating them.
I do have a few soft corals I wouldn't want to have eaten but ultimately I'm quickly turning into more of a stick person. If they ate my softies it would clear up some space for more acros at least.