Sponge? Type?

[dhouck]

Hello,

Got this on a rock. It's about the size of a quarter. It seems to have 'shed' an outer layer yesterday (white debris in pics). Then, it opened, as pictured. Blew off some debris and it immediately closed (less than a second).

LFS said it was a type of sponge, any info would be appreciated.

Thanks


30g Eclipse (2 months)
35 lb LR
2 clowns
1 diamond goby
1 cleaner shrimp
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 20 ish
Ph 8.4
Temp 79

 

[Sadielynn]

They are zoanthids or button polyps polyps They need moderate flow so that debris does not irritate the mat or the polyps them selfs . They are an easy care coral that dont require alot and do not need direct feedings

 

[dhouck]

Thanks

Thanks for the info.

 

[dhouck]

More Pics: palythoa?

Here are a couple of more shots taken after lights out!

My guess: palythoa sp

 

[Sadielynn]

Te second pics is either a sponge or a leather either way they will take what they need from the water column ... They also require mod flow so algea doesnt take over ...

 

[Kurt_Nelson]

But the problem is... those are pics of the same thing, just from a different angle and with the lights out! (I've seen this post elsewhere, with a little different info!)

I originally thought polyps too, but those photos after the lights go out are NOT polyps! Looks like whatever it is is encrusting the entire rock, or is a massive piece. And the openings of the "polyps" have almost completely closed up!

Am I correct dhouck?.... are those pictures of the same piece?

 

[Sadielynn]

I agree they are not polyps in the latter pics however they look like 2 diffrent pices entirly The surrounding areas are not the same
Dhouck please clairify if this is of the same thing the only other thing I can think of is a pagoda cup

 

[dhouck]

It's the same piece

Second pics are after lights out. You're right, though. I rotated the rock, so you are seeing a different angle

 

[dhouck]

One last pic

I'm not too good with the photography but I think this pic is a little better.

 

[Kurt_Nelson]

OK... those are definitely polyps. Probably some type of palythoas? Definitely not a sponge though. Weird base they're on though. Think you probably made a nice little find there! Be sure to wear gloves when handling it, as I think you've heard from other places! Just wanted to second that advice.

 

[Innovator]

Read last post if you haven't already as to my original guess: Sponge? Coral? ID? - Fantasyreef Forum