I.D. Please

[Poseidon]

I have been cycling my new Biocube 14 for a few days now. It seems everyday something new and interesting pops out of the live rock. I'm just wondering if you could help me identify these critters.

[mike31154]

First pic looks like either a Nassarius snail or Whelk snail. Nassarius are good sand stirrers and generally stay there during the day. If it's a Whelk it may be less desireable since it will get much larger, is carnivorous and will eat clams.

Second is a crab, can't tell what kind from the picture. Some are better than others although many people remove any and all crabs from their display tanks.

Not sure about #3, Mojano Anemone perhaps? If so, again mixed reviews. Some folks consider them pests since they can multiply quickly and take over, others seem to like them and not have a problem.

[Matt]

Third is likely hydroids. They'll probably cycle out, or spread like plague.

[Chaloupa]

Personally I think 3 looks like star polyps......

this is a hydroid...and they are NASTY! The brown stuff in between the corals.....

[marie]

The third isn't star polyps but it is definitely a soft coral that spreads like clove polyps only much, much faster. I have them everywhere

[christyf5]

I have whats in the third pic as well. If you don't want a sweeping lawn of them taking over your rock I suggest you take that rock out and chip them off of it. Either that or put some zoos in with them. The zoos will outcompete them. But only the brown zoos, don't expect anything colorful to get the job done

[Snaz]

The crab appears to be quite pale and doing a handstand, likely just a molt.

[Whatigot]

Originally Posted by Snaz

The crab appears to be quite pale and doing a handstand, likely just a molt.

Or like me trying to clean out my sump.