spiney mollusk, clicking sound and others

[hisc1ay]

Is there such a thing as a spiney mollusk? I got new rock yesterday and there's this thing on my glass that looks like a really small mollusk or mussel (about half the size of a dime). It looks like it has a white shell, red body, and white spines or short tentacles coming off of the edge of the shell opening. I'd take a picture, but I can't get this silly camera to focus on the right thing.

I also have been hearing a clicking noise peroidically throughout the night and I can't find at all where it's coming from. I know pistol shrimp make that noise, but it must be hiding. Are there any other things that click, and more importantly, should I try to get them out?

I also have snails with a black shell and red foot. Are they cool also?

Thanks for your help. I have more stuff to ID, but I'll look around first.

Oh, ok...one more...there's this yellow blob of stuff that has pores on it. Is it a type of sponge or squirt?

Thanks!
-jason

 

[steve-s]

It looks like it has a white shell, red body, and white spines or short tentacles coming off of the edge of the shell opening.

Sounds like a type of bi-valve. The "spikes" could be either bysal threads used to anchor the animal in place or possibley a spiney oyster. There are certain types of bi-valves and snails for that matter with spiked shells. If a bi-valve I wouldn't worry about it.

I also have been hearing a clicking noise peroidically throughout the night and I can't find at all where it's coming from. I know pistol shrimp make that noise, but it must be hiding. Are there any other things that click, and more importantly, should I try to get them out?

If a pistol shrimp it's not really a concern but I would try to locate and identify it. Mantis will make a similar noise and are a danger to snails and other mobile inverts. Mantis should be removed and returned to the LFS unless you can set up a species only tank.

I also have snails with a black shell and red foot. Are they cool also?

Not cool, a red foot will usually indicate a predaceous species. Most commonly whelks. If you can post a pic of the top, side and shell opening it would help but I would suggest removing them.

Oh, ok...one more...there's this yellow blob of stuff that has pores on it. Is it a type of sponge or squirt?

Most likely a sponge and typically harmless.

Cheers
Steve

 

[EL Diablo]

I'd pick up a crab trap to catch your clicking hitcher.
I had clicking for months before I saw the Little Mantis that was the culprit.

better safe than sorry.