IDing sponge-like red tube

llamadolly · 03/27/2018, 07:31 PM

Hello, can anyone identify these strange red tube-like structures growing on my live rock? There are about a dozen of them and the largest is maybe a 1/4" tall.

AlSimmons · 03/27/2018, 07:38 PM

Some type of sponge would be my guess. A Tunicate/Sea Squirt is definitely a possibility too though.

llamadolly · 03/27/2018, 07:47 PM

Wanted to add in case it isn't clear from the photo, but they are kind of barnacle-like in shape. Most are standalone.

AlSimmons · 03/27/2018, 08:02 PM

How do they feel to the touch? Hard, soft, abrasive, slimy etc?

llamadolly · 03/28/2018, 07:49 PM

I can't easily touch them because of their location but when brushed with the end of a feeding stick they feel like they're probably soft (I didn't want to press hard) and they immediately flattened against the rock when touched, which makes me think tunicate?

03/27/2018, 07:31 PM	#1
llamadolly Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2018 Posts: 4	IDing sponge-like red tube Hello, can anyone identify these strange red tube-like structures growing on my live rock? There are about a dozen of them and the largest is maybe a 1/4" tall.

03/27/2018, 07:38 PM	#2
AlSimmons Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: California Posts: 2,482	Some type of sponge would be my guess. A Tunicate/Sea Squirt is definitely a possibility too though.

03/27/2018, 07:47 PM	#3
llamadolly Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2018 Posts: 4	Wanted to add in case it isn't clear from the photo, but they are kind of barnacle-like in shape. Most are standalone.

03/27/2018, 08:02 PM	#4
AlSimmons Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: California Posts: 2,482	How do they feel to the touch? Hard, soft, abrasive, slimy etc?

03/28/2018, 07:49 PM	#5
llamadolly Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2018 Posts: 4	I can't easily touch them because of their location but when brushed with the end of a feeding stick they feel like they're probably soft (I didn't want to press hard) and they immediately flattened against the rock when touched, which makes me think tunicate?