What is growing on my hermit crabs shell???

[Shah]

Please tell me if this is harmful in anyway or not?! Thank you.

 

[andrewey]

Is this a new snail or do you have any red macro algaes growing in your tank/sump by any chance?

 

[Shah]

I got it in a bulk (new). No red macros in my refuge, only chaeto.

 

[andrewey]

My first thought is still a red macro algae based on shape. If you're able to grab the hermit, I suspect you might have more luck taking a sharper picture with the shell out of water. This would also confirm if the organism is stationary or is motile.

 

[Shah]

My first thought is still a red macro algae based on shape. If you're able to grab the hermit, I suspect you might have more luck taking a sharper picture with the shell out of water. This would also confirm if the organism is stationary or is motile.

 

[Shah]

My first thought is still a red macro algae based on shape. If you're able to grab the hermit, I suspect you might have more luck taking a sharper picture with the shell out of water. This would also confirm if the organism is stationary or is motile.

Update: a crab seems to be eating the organism on the host crab. However, it is still on the crab, and the crab that was eating stopped. (organism stays solid while out of water)

 

[andrewey]

Yeah, I'm still stuck on a red macro algae. I'm not that certain, but given the newness of the crab, these organisms are often found where these crabs are collected, and that another crab is eating it, it's my best guess right now, unless someone comes along with a much more educated guess

 

[Shah]

Yeah, I'm still stuck on a red macro algae. I'm not that certain, but given the newness of the crab, these organisms are often found where these crabs are collected, and that another crab is eating it, it's my best guess right now, unless someone comes along with a much more educated guess

Alright! Thank you very much for the help. (Very appreciated).