Why aren't limpets in the market?

Discussion in 'Invertebrates' started by NatalieMadison, Jun 7, 2017.

  1. IMG_0387.JPG so for clearing algae, I've found my hitchhiker limpet covers and clears 10 times better than other herbivore snails. So, why aren't they available for purchase?

    The rock area to the left had one Limpet overnight. He decimated the grassy field. The area to the right had 4 snails...various from trochus to turbo. They quickly moved to the glass and are on the perpetual circle track. I just put that dude back in place and he's already left the area.

    Are limpets available on the market but I'm just not seeing them? Or do they pose a threat or easily starve off?
     
  2. huntindoc

    huntindoc RRMAS BOD Membership Director Staff Member

    Don't reproduce in captivity and aren't collected (not abundant/difficult to spot/etc).

    You want to sell that one? :D
     
    NatalieMadison likes this.
  3. LJC6780

    LJC6780 Grouper

    I think I have 2 limpets. Just noticed them the other day. I was worried they were bad critters at first but now I'm glad I left them alone. They are tiny. Are yours tiny? Mine is like ⅜" long by about ¼" wide maybe.

    Oh wait! Just saw it! Had to zoom in. Yours is a lot bigger than mine. Now I'm wondering if I do really have limpets.
     
    NatalieMadison likes this.
  4. DCHarrington

    DCHarrington Vice President Staff Member

  5. Mine started tiny. They were hiding in the crevices of my live rock. I had 3, but I saw an empty shell the other day. No idea where the last one is hiding.
     
    LJC6780 likes this.
  6. Having algae issues @huntindoc ? I'm not sure he can reach the long stringy hair algae, but he's doing an amazing job chewing down my pasture. This is that darn dry rock I added to my tank a month ago that started the cycle again. The low .75 price for limpets at least makes express shipping worth it from Reef cleaners.org!
     
  7. @DCHarrington Beautiful macro algaes on this site too! Thank you.
     
  8. Botheboss

    Botheboss Director-At Large

    I just had Venessa order me an abalone. Interested to see how it works out
     
    NatalieMadison likes this.
  9. Deton8it

    Deton8it President Staff Member

    I would be concerned with losing them quick like Mexican Turbo snails. Warm water temps and cool water species doesn't last very long usually
     
    Botheboss likes this.
  10. LJC6780

    LJC6780 Grouper

    Are those reef safe?
     
  11. Botheboss

    Botheboss Director-At Large

    Algae eaters like a big limpet
     
    LJC6780 likes this.
  12. LJC6780

    LJC6780 Grouper

    Ah! I was thinking Cowrie!;)
     
  13. whippetguy

    whippetguy Super Moderator

    I have a ton of limpets in my system and I started with 4.
     
    huntindoc and NatalieMadison like this.
  14. I have 2 that I see regularly. I would love to see them multiply.
     
  15. Ok! Seriously! Who bought all the limpets from Reef Cleaners! LOL! I went online today to purchase (payday) and they no longer exist on the Reef Cleaners page! Boooooooo.
     
  16. LJC6780

    LJC6780 Grouper

    I think I counted 4 so far but they are all tiny!
     
  17. John has added limpets back to the Reef Cleaners site. Yay!
    @huntindoc , have you considered a fuzzy chiton?
     
    LJC6780 likes this.
  18. huntindoc

    huntindoc RRMAS BOD Membership Director Staff Member

    I haven't but I definitely will order some limpets. Too bad no one has stomatella!
     
  19. Well my fuzzy chiton got stuck slow moving on the sand and I'm guessing my serpent star decided he'd make a great snack. Of the limpets, two also became snacks. The other two seem to have better grips on the rock. Fingers crossed.
     

Share This Page