Black Slug looking thing

[BBReef]

heres a picture of it it came out a day ago in the light its got a mouth like a snail and seems to be eating off the LR any idea what uit is and what it does? its next to a blue leg hermit fto compaire its size. it has a hard back, but then gets fleshy thanks for the help

[ReefLady]

I can't see the pic, but I'm going to guess that it's possibly a Scutus sp. based on the description. Here a pic of one and some info:

>>Scutus sp. Elephant Slug, Shield Slug, Ducksbill Limpet<<

HTH!

[BBReef]

yup that looks like its it is it worth keeping in the tank? or should i take it out?

[ReefLady]

Strnage, now I can see the pic. That's definitely it. Good guess if I do say so myself -- LOL.

This little guy gets mixed reviews as far as being "reef-safe" - it seems that they can sometimes dine on coral tissues. If it's a FO tank, I'd let it be. If it's a reef tank, I'd probably bannish it to the sump.

JMO,

[BBReef]

welp to the sump it goes i wouldnt want it dinning on any of my corals thanks a lot for the help

[e-cat]

i just found 2 of those today my self, i guess there out.

I have personally never seen an elephant snail cause damage to any coral but that does not mean it cannot happen. I had two of them in may tank for several years and were never a problem with corals. They can however be great algae eaters. I would actually wait on the banishment but everyone must make their own descision.

Cheers
Steve

[ReefLady]

Thanks Steve,

I have no personal experience with them, so am (unfortunately) only quoting the available literature. Personal experience is much more valuable. Thanks for the input!

[BBReef]

well i tried tograb it the other day when it was on a rock, but it quickly hid in a hole so i was unsuccessful. i think ill watch it a little tho and see what it does. thanks for all the help