Abalone?

[esmithiii]

I have encountered an interesting hitchhiker, and I believe it is an abalone. It is snail-like but the shell only covers the top of the critter (much like a limpet only it is not conical) and the little shell there is leaves some of the flesh exposed (the shell is not large enough to cover the whole top.) It has reproduced and there are about a hundred babies all over the tank ranging in size from less than 1/32nd of an inch to about a quarter inch in length.

Questions:
- Do you think that this is in fact an abalone?
- If so, what do their diets consist of? (I have plenty of nusience algae, mostly diatoms at this point)
- Will they continue to be prolific in my tank?
- Any downsides to these guys?

Thanks,

Ernie

ps. please pardon the poor photos.

Side view:

View from the bottom (notice the small ones)

Another view from the bottom:

 

[Anonymous]

Certainly looks like a Stomatella varia to me. They are molluscs, but I believe they aren't technically abalones. They reproduce pretty well in tanks. I have some with a yellow foot.

 

[esmithiii]

Any info on diet?

 

[t gallo]

they eat algae, film on the glass. i have tons in my sump/ refuge.
they do reproduce like weeds and keep getting sucked up into my skimmer intake and clog the becckett, what a pain.

 

[Anonymous]

Ernie, not sure. They are definitely reef safe, but I'm not sure what they eat. Mine seem to stay on the rocks more than the glass.

FWIW, I witnessed a peppermint shrimp attacking one a couple days ago. Not sure if it was going for food or what, but it released it when it tried to escape.

 

[esmithiii]

Thanks guys. Any more info/experiences?

 

[Anonymous]

I often recommend abalone to folks who are having big problems with microalgae in their tanks. These things are truly voracious when it comes to that stuff! It sure doesn't look as though you've got much to offer it, so you may wish to stick some bits of nori and the like in the sand for it.

Oddly enough, for all the seafood I've had the opportunity to try, I have NEVER had abalone.

 

[Anonymous]

SM, you're missing out! My dad has a friend that catches them up here off of Point Reyes and then prepares them for us. Now that's good eating...

 

[danmhippo]

SM, while you are in the north, put on the wet suit and take a dip in the pacific Ocean, plenty of abalone for you there....... It's great shuck them and eat them raw, either plain with seawater, or with slight hint of wasabi.

Just make sure you aren't breaking any laws by taking more then you should........

 

[Anonymous]

I think I'll let someone else be the shark bait, guys! Even though now I really do feel like I'm missing something.. what's the flavor like?

 

[Anonymous]

I've never heard of eating abalone raw...

Every time I've had it it's been pounded to pieces with a wooden mallet for a good half hour or so. Otherwise it's very tough. The flavor is similar to a clam, but the texture is just unique.

 

[esmithiii]

I often recommend abalone to folks who are having big problems with microalgae in their tanks. These things are truly voracious when it comes to that stuff! It sure doesn't look as though you've got much to offer it, so you may wish to stick some bits of nori and the like in the sand for it.

Oddly enough, for all the seafood I've had the opportunity to try, I have NEVER had abalone.

Actually I am battling a HUGE, ugly diatom problem.

Ernie