Isopod / Snail ???? Hard shell soft underneath

[Addicted2Reef’n]

So I noticed yesterday that my galaxia coral had what looked like bubble algae on it so I took out of tank and got it off and then noticed this creature that looks like a Rolly Polly gliding under the plug . It has a hard grey shell that has some dark markings on the front and back of shell. It instantly reminded me of the prehistoric isopods you see at the big Aquariums . Any idea what this guy is ? Never know what I will find in this tank lol

 

[geoljills]

Looks like a chiton to me.

 

[Dierks]

Looks like a Chiton...

 

[DaJMasta]

Definitely a chiton.

 

[WheatToast]

So I noticed yesterday that my galaxia coral had what looked like bubble algae on it so I took out of tank and got it off and then noticed this creature that looks like a Rolly Polly gliding under the plug . It has a hard grey shell that has some dark markings on the front and back of shell. It instantly reminded me of the prehistoric isopods you see at the big Aquariums . Any idea what this guy is ? Never know what I will find in this tank lol

Chiton. These are their own class of mollusks, separate from snails and other gastropods, which are harmless algae grazers and occasionally hitchhike. They can also roll up to protect themselves, like roly-poly isopods. Those prehistoric isopods are probably trilobites, which are distant relatives of isopods as they are both arthropods, but they seem to be more closely related to spiders and horseshoe crabs from what I have read.

 

[Alexraptor]

Chiton's, and they are extremely cool. Their shells are actually covered in primitive eyes, made up from minerals rather than proteins like most animals.

 

[Addicted2Reef’n]

I absolutely LOVE this site ! The knowledge and experience shared in here is immeasurable. Thanks for the ID !