Got a hitchhiker or unknown critter?? Check here for an ID

[SeahorseKeeper]

This thread is to list some of the more common hitchhikers that we come across.


Asterina Starfish:

R2R member:Jurg

Asterina starfish are a common hitchhiker that are seen in many aquariums. These starfish are pretty small and typically get no larger than a centimeter. Asterina starfish are scavengers that usually eat algae, but there have been many reports that these starfish eat corals and coraline algae. The most common corals that these starfish will are zoanthids, soft corals and acropora. The asterina starfish that are colored seem to be more likely to eat corals as opposed the white ones.

These hitchhikers reproduce by splitting their bodies into two. This is one the reasons why you will see asterina starfish with irregular shaped legs. It is also why the asterina population can explode in our aquariums. The populations also explode in tanks that are high in nutrients since the starfish have an abundant food source.

It can be difficult to eradicate a system of asterina starfish. One way to rid a system of them is to remove them manually. This can be quite time consuming and it is impossible to remove them all manually because they can hide deep in the nooks and crevices of the live rock. If you opt for the manual extraction method, it is a good idea to reduce feedings and reduce the nutrients in the tank. This can help to limit the food supply of the starfish. Another option would be to add harlequin shrimp to the tank. Harlequin shrimp feed exclusively on starfish and will quickly eradicate the tank of the starfish. Once the starfish are gone, the harlequin will have to be fed starfish.


Mini Brittle Starfish:

R2R Member: fasiczka

Brittle starfish are a welcome addition to most hobbyists' tanks. They are beneficial detritivores and eat waste. They also multiply rapidly in tanks with excess nutrients. However, they are not known to eat corals and are seen as a desirable hitchhiker. These starfish can look like small brittle or serpent starfish.

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

Stomatella Snail:

R2R Member Mole

These snails are beneficial members of the CUC. They typically come in on live rock and corals. They feed on micro film and algae. Stomatella snails are not known to irritate corals. As an added bonus, these snails will readily reproduce in the home aquarium.

Here is a thread of them spawning: https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/reef-aquarium-discussion/136683-stomatella-snail-spawning.html

Scutus:

R2R Member SeahorseKeeper

They are also referred to as elephant slug, duckbill limpet and shield slug. It is recommended to remove scutus from a reef tank, especially those that are zoanthid or soft coral dominated. . From my personal experience, I have found them to also be bulldozers. They would plow over anything in their path. They also get somewhat large which can pose issues.

Fleshy Limpet:

R2R Member Carrigg

Unlike the scutus, the fleshy limpet is a desirable hitchhiker. These limpets are algae grazers and typically will leave corals alone.

Chiton:

R2R Member childress5tyler

Chitons are another welcome addition to the CUC. They feed off of algae and do not typically pose harm to corals.

Limpet:

R2R Member Squishie89

Limpets are another great addition to the CUC. They feed on algae and do not typically harm corals.


Sundial Snail

R2R Member Lee's Fragtacular Corals

Remove these snails immediately!!! These snails are predatory on zoanthids and can reproduce quickly. Be sure to examine all zoanthid purchases carefully so that you do not introduce them into your display tank.

Pyramid Snails:

R2R Member skinz78

Remove these at first sight. These snails are predatory on clams and even other snails. Be sure to check all newly purchased clams for pyramid snails before adding them to the DT.

More information on removing them: https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/clams/57886-pyramid-snail-removal-tips.html

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

Bristle Worms:

R2R Member bkweibley

Bristle worms are beneficial detrivores. If you see tons of them in your tank, I would quadruple the amount for the ones that are hidden out of site. It would be a good idea to evaluate your husbandry habits as why they are able to breed so prolifically in your tank. They can also get quite large. Personally, I remove any bristle worms that are over 5".

Do not try to handle bristle worms with bare hands. You may experience a reaction. If this happens, soak the affected area in vinegar.

Here is a pic of a member who experienced a reaction:

R2R member mdbannister

Eunice/Bobbit Worms:

R2R Members: ingtar_shinowa, slapshot

If you find one of these worms in your tank, take it out IMMEDIATELY!!! These worms can eat fish and corals. As you can see from the pics, they can get quite large.

Peanut Worm:

R2R Member KingOfPain86

Peanut worms are a beneficial part of the CUC. They eat detritus and are not known to bother corals or fish.

Spaghetti Worm:

R2R Member chadderbox

Spaghetti worms are harmless and are a beneficial part of the CUC.

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

Predatory Nudibranches:

R2R Member SeahorseKeeper

That pic is of a sarcophyton (soft coral) eating nudibranch. In the pic, the nudibranch is lacking color because its food source had run out. Nudibranches come in many different shapes, colors, and sizes. They also have different appetites. A good rule of thumb to use in regards to nudibranches is that they are the same or similar color as what they are eating. If you spot a predatory nudibranch, remove immediately. Also, keep a close eye on surrounding corals. There will usual be more nudibranches and eggs as well.

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

Mantis Shrimp:

R2R Member M@!

There are many different types of mantis shrimp. I would recommend keeping a mantis shrimp in a species only tank. They are known to eat snails and crustaceans as well as fish. It is possible to keep them in a reef setting, but beware they will do there own redecorating. As a hitchhiker, they make their way into your tank by being nestled deep in the rocks. The first sign of knowing that you have a mantis shrimp is hearing clicking in the tank.

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

Aiptasia:

R2R Member: Eienna

Aiptasia anemones are very invasive. They can spread quickly and irritate corals. They can also reach epidemic numbers very quickly. There are several ways to rid a tank of them. Some people have had great results with peppermint shrimp, Joe's Juice, Aiptasia-X or using lemon juice and boiling water. You can also use aiptasia eating filefish or berghia nudibranches. Just beware disturbing the aiptasia can cause them to release spores allowing them to reproduce rapidly. This is a defense mechanism that they have.

Majano Anemones:

R2R Member LisaD

Majano anemones come in a variety of colors. Some people will keep the brightly colored varieties. In general, it is advised to remove them because they can get out of hand. They do not seem to reproduce as quickly as aiptasia. The same removal methods for aiptasia can be used for majano anemones.

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

Vermetid Snails:

R2R Member eveningstar15

Vermetid snails are generally considered harmless. However, they will produce a snot or mucous-like substance to get food. This is unsightly and can irritate many corals. These creatures are characterized by their hard tubes. Some fish have been reported to eat them. For removal, I recommend snipping the tubes and cover them with epoxy. Be careful the tubes will be sharp.

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

This thread is to list some of the more common hitchhikers that we come across.

 

[bencameron27]

I know it's not the best picture, just spotted this guy tonight. I think it is a stomatella snail can anyone confirm ? Thanks

 

[Koaboy]

Friend or foe? I think the one at the top is OK. The bottom two were removed as a single...something...but split when I dropped it into the container. They were different, as they had a little tougher skin. They moved around the container separately. Thanks, in advance.

 

[Kano]

Those are Stomatella snails. I think they can release a portion of their body to try and survive, like a lizard being able to lose its' tail. They are safe. The top one is the entire snail with the shell. The middle piece is the body from the bottom one. They will feel harder when scared because they're trying to get as much of themselves under their shell as they can.

 

[Koaboy]

Thanks! I had 4-5 that I saw on the glass this morning. Wasn't sure of the dark one.

 

[andijo81]

I have the elephant scutus in my tank. I have never had an issue with them eating zoas.

 

[shark39]

Hitchhikers help identify

 

[Mike J.]

Can't make it out real good - guess, Sea Hare.

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

Can't make it out real good - guess, Sea Hare.

That would be my guess as well.

 

[Polishpower]

Good or bad?

 

[Mike J.]

Good algae eater. If you don't have algae you'll need to feed it. It can release a toxic dye when stressed or dying.

Saltwater Aquarium Invertebrates for Marine Reef Aquariums: Sea Hare Sea Slug

 

[shark39]

Thank you for the help. We found another one last night. We have been doing a bit of research and think they maybe Sea Cucumbers. They are hanging out on the live rock we just added that has a lot of purple Coraline. The blend in perfectly. It also looks like something has been eating the Coraline

 

[shark39]

here is a better picture of one of our two new Hitchhikers. Are they good or bad?