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A sponge? A type of worm?

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A sponge? A type of worm?

Postby Capslock » January 17th, 2008, 1:40 pm

Hello,

I have two things that need to be identified. they both look similar so I am wondering if they are related. they both look "spongy" but the one picture i will show you looks like a sort of tube worm is poking out from them.

does anyone know what these are and if they are safe? My urchin went into a cove that one dwells in and he has not come out since, I think he is just hanging out but I am not sure.

Since they are in the back of the tank getting different angles of the things are not really possible. If you need clearer pictures then I will need some tips on getting them, I am not great with a camera :)
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24 gallon nano cube,
1 Serpent Sea Star,
Emerald Crab,
Longspine Urchin
5 Margarita Snails
10 Hermit Crabs Hermit Crabs
Bullseye mushroom,
candy coral,
Yellow colony polyp,
Toadstool Mushroom Leather Coral, Brown,

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page"
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Postby seamaiden » January 17th, 2008, 1:42 pm

You have TUNICATES! :D

I think (I'm pretty sure based on those photos).
Theophilus Parsons in 1788 wrote:"If a juror accepts as the law that which the judge states then that juror has accepted the exercise of absolute authority of a government employee and has surrendered a power and right that once was the citizen's safeguard of liberty."
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Postby Capslock » January 17th, 2008, 2:16 pm

If that is true then it seems my tank is in the clear of any potential problems :)
24 gallon nano cube,
1 Serpent Sea Star,
Emerald Crab,
Longspine Urchin
5 Margarita Snails
10 Hermit Crabs Hermit Crabs
Bullseye mushroom,
candy coral,
Yellow colony polyp,
Toadstool Mushroom Leather Coral, Brown,

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page"
Capslock
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Posts: 159
Joined: September 23rd, 2007, 10:07 pm
Location: New Haven, CT
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Postby seamaiden » January 17th, 2008, 6:49 pm

Quite, as a matter of fact I would go so far as to say that conditions in your tank might lead to specimens not just living, but THRIVING. All around an excellent development. :D

They don't move around much, do you think you could get a photo that's a bit more clear?
Theophilus Parsons in 1788 wrote:"If a juror accepts as the law that which the judge states then that juror has accepted the exercise of absolute authority of a government employee and has surrendered a power and right that once was the citizen's safeguard of liberty."
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Postby Capslock » January 17th, 2008, 10:16 pm

I would love to get you a better picture.

Do you have any tips on getting a closer image? I have a small point and shoot camera with minimal manual options.

Also, I just noticed that I am seeing these critters in a lot more places than the spot I found them in. Particularly I found one on the "roots" of my candy cane coral and I have read that the tunicates have a reputation of being invasive in the natural ecosystem so I am concerned they may have an adverse effect in my tank.

Thoughts?
24 gallon nano cube,
1 Serpent Sea Star,
Emerald Crab,
Longspine Urchin
5 Margarita Snails
10 Hermit Crabs Hermit Crabs
Bullseye mushroom,
candy coral,
Yellow colony polyp,
Toadstool Mushroom Leather Coral, Brown,

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page"
Capslock
Reefkeeper
 
Posts: 159
Joined: September 23rd, 2007, 10:07 pm
Location: New Haven, CT
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Postby camaroracer214 » January 17th, 2008, 11:09 pm

to get a better picture, just mess with the macro function...most point and shoot cameras have them.
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Postby seamaiden » January 17th, 2008, 11:25 pm

Maybe putting the camera right up against the glass will prevent it from focusing on the glass instead. I don't know anything about tunicates being invasive or a problem, sorry I can't help you there.
Theophilus Parsons in 1788 wrote:"If a juror accepts as the law that which the judge states then that juror has accepted the exercise of absolute authority of a government employee and has surrendered a power and right that once was the citizen's safeguard of liberty."
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Postby JimM » January 19th, 2008, 12:19 pm

Those are sponges of the genus Scypha, NOT tunicates. They are very common on live rock, and under good conditions will thrive and grow.

I've had them as large as golf balls before.
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Postby JimM » January 19th, 2008, 3:06 pm

seamaiden wrote:Quite, as a matter of fact I would go so far as to say that conditions in your tank might lead to specimens not just living, but THRIVING. All around an excellent development. :D

They don't move around much, do you think you could get a photo that's a bit more clear?


Based on the presence of the "Tuncates" eh? Is that your expert opinion. :lol:

You're too much...
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Postby seamaiden » January 20th, 2008, 1:48 am

... Gee, Jim, that's awfully nice of you.
Theophilus Parsons in 1788 wrote:"If a juror accepts as the law that which the judge states then that juror has accepted the exercise of absolute authority of a government employee and has surrendered a power and right that once was the citizen's safeguard of liberty."
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Postby JimM » January 20th, 2008, 1:59 pm

Sorry hon, that other thread irked me - the irony kind of jumped out at me here given what happened over there.

Yes, let's stop. :?
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