key hole limpet eats diatoms

[reefNewbie]

I have a keyhole limpet and hes been doing nothing but sitting on the back aquarium glass for the last week munching on my diatoms! 8O

 

[Anonymous]

I doubt you have a keyhole limpet (Diodora aspera) since this is a coldwater, intertidal animal found here localy in California. What you have is any one of several tropical limpets commonly found in reef tanks.
Regards
Jim

 

[Will C1]

im not so sure about that jim i have a few of them in my reef. they eat algeas. mabe there is a species that looks identical??

 

[GSchiemer]

"Keyhole limpet" is a generic term for any of the conical-shelled limpets with small holes at the top of the "cone." There are many tropical varieties that fit that decription. I have a small variety that reproduces in my aquariums.

Greg

 

[Anonymous]

Such is the problem with common names... :?
Cheers
Jim

 

[reefann]

Here is my question though. Yes the limpet is eating Diatoms, but would that help the cycle in any other way than just making them disappear for a while.
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[Anonymous]

Diatoms are the result of certain conditions, not the cause of them...

Cheers
Jim