it is a boring transparent white color. Are they all like that when the first sprout? will it change to a bright color as it matures. I don't believe this is a hitch hiker as I haven't added anything to my refugium in 3-4 months. It just sprouted overnight practially Very cool. Its very sensative as well, when I walk into my kitchen(where my fish tank is) It feels the vibrations from me walking on my tile floor 5feet away and retracts into the tube with lightning speed. I am kinda excited to see how it will do long term.