Nudibranch?

What appears to be a Black Nudibranch has appeared in our tank. I cannot get a photo of it but I found one that is as close as can be. Are these bad? Do I exit it from the tank? I saw it crawl though the zoas and saw no damage.

 

sea slug

 

If they die they quickly become toxic. Get it out ASAP if it dies.

 

So, just to be on the safe side I should give it it's walking papers?

 

There's a good chance it's a Scutus species, or shield limpet, rather than a nudibranch. Can you sometimes see a white line down its back? Otherwise, if it has the feathery gill on its back, it's a dorid nudibranch, and won't hurt anything. The only black ones that are a problem have bright colored bumps on them, and they crawl extremely slowly. They also don't have an external gill.

If it crawls quickly, it's probably a black Stomatella, which is good.

Cheers,



Don

 

Can't see external gills. It does have one large white spot(large for something less than 1/4"). As to fast, slower than the Turbo Snails.

 

OK, if the white spot is in the middle of its back, it's a Shield Limpet (Scutus). Most everyone agrees they are nice residents.

The Sea Slug Forum - Elephant Slug, Shield Slug, Ducksbill Limpet (Scutus sp.)

Cheers,



Don

 

Thanks Pogojoe, that photo is exactly what is in the tank. Looks like we have another resident!