ID Please
Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Main
Forum Name: General Discussion
Forum Description: Posts that don't fit in any of the other categories.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=76738
Printed Date: July 19 2026 at 2:44am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: ID Please
Posted By: relethg
Subject: ID Please
Date Posted: July 08 2015 at 7:19pm
What is this growing on the hermit crab shell?
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Replies:
Posted By: ReefdUp
Date Posted: July 08 2015 at 8:57pm
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Hard to tell with the saturation (can you take a photo with the flash?), but it looks like a vermetid snail maybe?? ------------- www.reefdup.com Diving since 2009, reefkeeping since 2007, & fishkeeping since 1987 200g, 75g, & 15g Systems PADI Advanced Open Water |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: July 08 2015 at 9:33pm
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Looks like the Vermitid Snail tube opening is at the back, facing away in this pic. ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member 
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Posted By: relethg
Date Posted: July 08 2015 at 9:37pm
It is orange a little darker than the scarlet hermit. Good color match for the vermetid snail, but does not look like it is growing vertical at all or have that large of an opening. I guess I will shoot it with some kalk. ------------- 210 G Filled 18 Mar 15 120 G Filled 11 Jun 16 |
ReefdUp wrote:Posted By: relethg
Date Posted: July 08 2015 at 9:41pm
I thought opening was facing the pic and have not been able to see the other end. I will pull it out tomorrow and remove it from the shell. From what I read there is nothing good about it. ------------- 210 G Filled 18 Mar 15 120 G Filled 11 Jun 16 |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: July 09 2015 at 6:54am
I believe you are misinformed. These are awesome filter feeders. Vermitid Snails use a mucous net which they extend out to catch floating particles which are then retrieved and consumed, thus helping clean the water. I'd leave it alone and let it live. Besides, it's awesome that it's mobile.  ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
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Posted By: relethg
Date Posted: July 09 2015 at 8:57am
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Mark, I read many thread that state they can take over a tanks and the mucus web can hurt corals. What is the truth? I would like to leave it as I like life and this is unique being on the crab. ------------- 210 G Filled 18 Mar 15 120 G Filled 11 Jun 16 |
Posted By: ReefdUp
Date Posted: July 09 2015 at 9:40pm
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There is no absolute "truth" in this hobby. I've seen vermetids completely take over a tank and drive everything nuts, but it was a high nutrient tank. I've seen (and had) many tanks with them with no problems (other than stabbing my finger occasionally.) Even with as crazy of a QT process I have, I've never managed to keep them 100% out for any real lenght of time. IMO, they can be a pain, but not nearly as bad as trying to keep them out of your tank. Just manage your nutrients and you'll be fine. ------------- www.reefdup.com Diving since 2009, reefkeeping since 2007, & fishkeeping since 1987 200g, 75g, & 15g Systems PADI Advanced Open Water |
Posted By: ReefdUp
Date Posted: July 09 2015 at 9:42pm
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And yours looks like one of the larger species that doesn't seem nearly invasive. I've had one in my tank for about 4 years now, and it's never done anything than look cool. ------------- www.reefdup.com Diving since 2009, reefkeeping since 2007, & fishkeeping since 1987 200g, 75g, & 15g Systems PADI Advanced Open Water |
Posted By: relethg
Date Posted: July 09 2015 at 9:48pm
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Thank Nikki, I learn more every day. I will keep it and watch what happens. I hope you will cruise this board after you move. ------------- 210 G Filled 18 Mar 15 120 G Filled 11 Jun 16 |
Posted By: ReefdUp
Date Posted: July 10 2015 at 5:55am
Thanks  ------------- www.reefdup.com Diving since 2009, reefkeeping since 2007, & fishkeeping since 1987 200g, 75g, & 15g Systems PADI Advanced Open Water |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: July 10 2015 at 6:45am
Yes, I also hope Nikki will continue to hang around here. I wish her the best wherever she lands.
Most healthy mature tanks will become home to hundreds of the small Vermitids (~1mm tube diameter), mostly on the underside of rocks, such that when moving LR, the hobbyist must place their hands carefully to avoid being poked by dozens of snail tubes. Just the other day I had to stop and remove one that had broken off and was sticking out of my finger. I believe in truth. One truth is that if overfed, a reef will grow more of what we would rather not have growing. Another truth is that the www is overfed with relatively young, inexperienced, yet extra vocal hobbyists that perpetuate rumor and their own inexperience. One last truth I'll mention is that some people, like us, enjoy seeing all the different organisms living on our earth. Aloha, Mark  ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
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Posted By: relethg
Date Posted: July 10 2015 at 7:37am
I agree and I do feed a lot, ( I have a lot of fish) but try to keep my numbers in check. That is one reason when I see something I dont know I ask around. If something is going to be an issue I need to take care of it fast. The snail will live! The one thing that I have learned about this board and others is many of the old heads don't comment very much. It appears that only a few of the same people make comments, when I know there are many old heads in this Valley. It would be nice for more of the people that have been in the hobby for a long time make comments. I know there are many opinions and no one way to do things. You, Nikki and other are greatly appreciated. Glenn ------------- 210 G Filled 18 Mar 15 120 G Filled 11 Jun 16 |