Trying to ID black slug

November 20, 2001
From: Mark Conley

I have at least two black slugs in my reef aquarium. They seem mostly nocturnal, though I occasionally see them during the day. They have a two segemented foot and similar mouth to a snail and have the same coloration of astrea snails on the foot and mouth parts pink/peach. They are the size of a thumb and have a frilly fringe around the body. They also have a slit on thier back that opens to show white. They are otherwise completely back on top. The also have antenna that protrude from under the fringe at the head. They also appear to graze on algae. Any information on this interesting species is greatly appreciated.

Mark

mustango656@hotmail.com

Conley, M., 2001 (Nov 20) Trying to ID black slug. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/5673

Dear Mark,
From you description I am pretty sure you have the slug-like snail Scutus. The white bit you describe on its back is in fact its plate-like shell which is usually partly covered by flaps of skin. Have a look at the top of the page your message is on for some photos and geeral information, and have a look at the messages below yours for other messages and my comments.
best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2001 (Nov 20). Comment on Trying to ID black slug by Mark Conley. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/5673

Factsheet

Elephant Slug, Shield Slug, Ducksbill Limpet (Scutus sp.)

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