slugs in tank?

[reefermon]

I have been noticing slug like thing in my tank. I first saw 3 now there about 9 two are geting big anout the size of a dime. There appear to have a soft like shell and when I turn the lights they start to climb from the top of the tank to the sand bed and dissapper into the gravel and lr. Are these safe? How big do they get? Will they over run the tank? Should I start taking them out of the tank? What are the called? Thanks for all the info

 

[thomas712]

Possibly chitons or more likly stomatella varia

 

[reefermon]

Are these reef safe?

 

[thomas712]

Yes both are reef safe, did you find any pics of these critters or can you suppy one?
The chitons look more armoured, while the stomatella varia looks more like a slug with a small shell on its back.

 

[reefermon]

I can't figure out the pictures but it looks like a little shell one of the slugs are black

 

[rubberduck]

does it have like a shell or plate on its back?

 

[reefermon]

They look more like a plate.

 

[wax32]

Like the small one in this pic?

If so, it's Stomatella varia.

 

[thomas712]

Here is the one I got just a while back.

 

[reefermon]

Yes they look like the one in the bag same color allthough a few are black. Are those safe or should I start fishing the out?

 

[bigarn]

They are harmless algae grazers ..... they come in various colors, thus the name ... stomatella varia.

 

[wax32]

I like 'em a lot. I have more color morphs than I can shake an acro at!