Damnit I freaking touched this thing. What is it?

[Anonymous]

OK, now I got one that I need help with. I was looking around my tanks for a rock packed with mini brittles to give to a customer so he could jump start his refugium.

I reached way back into a cave to pull out a rock and out came a small rock with this damn thing on it. It's leathery feeling.

Damnit I can't believe I touched it.

Anyway, it now sits in a cup until I know if I can tank it back in my own tank or I have to isolate it somewhere.

Thanks.

 

[dnorton1978]

Man, that thing is different. I would amputate my hand to be safe.. LOL.
I have no idea, but damn is it strange.

 

[Anonymous]

It's a species of Chiton. It wont bite you.
They're mostly herbivorous though some species will feed on coral tissue.

Regards,
David Mohr

 

[Anonymous]

It's a species of Chiton. It wont bite you.
They're mostly herbivorous though some species will feed on coral tissue.

Regards,
David Mohr

You sure about that? I didn't think they get that big. The thing is around 2 inches across.

 

[Anonymous]

Some species of Polyplacophora (chiton) can reach 12" in length.

Regards,
David Mohr

 

[Anonymous]

OK, back in my tank it goes then. I read up quickly and nothing I saw mentioned coral tissue, but I will take my chances.

Still doesn't make it any better that I actually touched the thing.

heeby jeebies.