sponge?

[jks1]

I think this is some sort of sponge, but it has grown on the top of a rock under direct 150W HQI MH lights, any clue????

 

[Woodstock]

It sure looks like one. A pretty red

I see you have bubble aglae too! I remove lots and lots from my tank... I'm starting to think of it like a nutrient export

 

[jks1]

yeah i pull it out w/ tweesers about once a week, it is localised on that polyp rock- thank God!

 

[Woodstock]

You are lucky! Mine is everywhere and thriving since I sold my large blue tang . It used to keep it mowed down well.

 

[ReefLady]

I had one very similar to that, I believe it was a tunicate. I'm sure Boomer will be along shortly to correct me if I'm mistaken.

 

[mwrager]

It sure looks like one. A pretty red

 

[NaH2O]

Just thought I'd throw this link up....see if it looks similar:

http://www.reefimages.com/cgi-reefimages/page.cgi?list=Sponges&slide=129.jpg

 

[wooddood]

i've seen it before but cant recall the name sorry. dave.

 

[jks1]

Thanks all, and that was a great site Nikki, I hadnt seen that one before.

 

[NaH2O]

No problem, John. I get a lot of use out of that one...glad you liked it.

 

[Steve Tyree]

Hello,

I have worked with quite a few sponges and sea squirts. Its difficult to determine exactly what you have from the image (focus). However, it does appear that there is a large aperature (sea squirt) or osculum (sponge) in the lower or side of the organism. There also might be one on the top, but it is difficult to tell. The typical configuration for a sea squirt is to have a branchial aperature (siphon) on the top and a atrial aperature (siphon) on the side or lower area. The way to definitly determine what you have is to lightly poke it with a piece of rigid airline tubing. If the organism contracts, it is a sea squirt. A solitary bright pink sea squirt is a nice animal to have in your reef. Prefers to consume phytoplankton and fine particulates.

 

[Maxx]

Thanks for the info Steve.
BTW Welcome to Reef Sanctuary!!!!
Nick

 

[ReefLady]

Welcome to the Sanctuary Steve! Glad to see you here.

Travis

 

[Boomer]

I'm sure Boomer will be along shortly to correct me if I'm mistaken.

No correction needed. I'm 99 % sure it is a Tunicate. It even looks very much like one of the Pyrua sp , such as confragosa rather than one of the more common Polycarpa sp

Here is an example only the Pyura confragosse is more elongated,

http://www.reefimages.com/cgi-reefimages/page.cgi?list=Sponges&slide=186.jpg

It is really nice to see Steve here. Your name fits him "Tunicate". Steve my books are falling apart