Fungus ID?

[DeepBlue]

I have been meaning to ask this some time ago, but was unable to get totally clear images of it. I have this viscus material on parts of my rocks that don't get much light (primarily the back sides) that also appear to have vent tubes. This is somewhat spreading on the rocks and I want to know what it might be and what I should do about it? It also appears to have some veining throughout it. It is very weird. Any ideas?

 

[BoomerD]

Looks like a sponge, NOT a fungus. I had several rocks with that on the undersides. Only possible bad thing, is that as it grows, it can cover more rocks...but it IS a filter-feeder, which isn't a bad thing...

 

[DeepBlue]

Thanks BoomerD! If it does grow too much, should I scrub portions of it off? Will it kill the rest of the sponge?

 

[JFK_Jr]

I have them growing on my live rock in some beautiful colors... orange, peach, and burgundy. It's a sign you're live rock is healthy!

 

[DeepBlue]

And I was concerned it was the opposite....thanks guys!

 

[Woodstock]

Yep, sponge. It's a good guy!

 

[JFK_Jr]

Sorry... I couldn't help myself....

 

[DeepBlue]

 

[BoomerD]

JFK is a fun guy...

 

[Witfull]

most sponge species prefer darker areas of a tank, the under sides of rocks, back corners and especially sumps. i wouldnt be concerned to much about it.

 

[Boomer]

Fungus does not have "vent" tubes. Sponges do they are called an Osculum. Ascidans also have vrnt tubes but it "appears" as if there are two. One in and incurrect and one is an excurrent. You have a sponge as stated by others. Sponges alos have incurrect tubes but they are very small and hundreds of them. They are called Ostia or pores.



Spnges
http://www.emc.maricopa.edu/faculty/farabee/biobk/BioBookDiversity_7.html

Ascidians

 

[lcstorc]

The important thing to remember about sponges is that they cannot tolerate air. Be sure to keep the rock(s) submerged and you have a nice freebie filter feeder.

 

[BoomerD]

Fungus does not have "vent" tubes. Sponges do they are called an Osculum. Ascidans also have vrnt tubes but it "appears" as if there are two. One in and incurrect and one is an excurrent. You have a sponge as stated by others. Sponges alos have incurrect tubes but they are very small and hundreds of them. They are called Ostia or pores.



Spnges
http://www.emc.maricopa.edu/faculty/farabee/biobk/BioBookDiversity_7.html

Ascidians

Yeah, what he said...(whatever it was... )