The most commonly encountered limpet in a reef aquarium is the Keyhole Limpet. Not only can these be purchased at your local or online reef store; they can hitchhike on newly purchased live rock. Keyhole limpets are usually a half inch long or smaller and can be brown, black and tan pattern. Unfortunately, in the SPS aquarium, they can and will feed on the tissue of SPS corals.

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As with many of the snail species, it is best to physically remove the limpet if you are unsure of its species and diet. Some limpet species are herbivores and are beneficial to even a reef aquarium. But even the herbivores can become harmful if there is not enough food for them in your tank. 

WHERE THEY CAN BE FOUND​

Keyhole Limpets prefer an established aquarium with live rock and plenty of microalgae  which they can munch on.

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REPRODUCTION

Limpets usually will not reproduce quickly or overrun your tank overnight. This being said, physical removal of these pests is an effective way to get rid of them.

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FEEDING HABITS​

They feed on all forms of microalgae in the aquarium. They have also been known to  graze on certain species of Acropora, Montipora and other similar coral species.

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REMOVAL​

Limpets will typically not reproduce to any significant number in the aquarium, and physical removal is usually a sufficient control for the SPS coral aquarist.

 

Sources

http://www.liveaquaria.com/general/general.cfm?general_pagesid=362

​QUICK STATS 
Care Level: Easy 
Temperament: Peaceful 
Reef Compatible: With Caution 
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025 
Max. Size: 3" 
Color Form: Black, Tan 
Diet: Herbivore 
Origin: Eastern Pacific 
Family: Fisurellidae

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