Can anybody ID this?

[Ron Reefman]

We found this in the Middle Keys (Florida) in 2' to 3' of water about 75' off the shore. It's attached very well to a length of metal bar that was laying in a grassy area but not far from some very shallow (1' to 2') areas with lots of stony finger coral and lots of small sponges. It is soft like lace and attached all across the base, not just in the center. We've done a fair amount of looking in our books and on the net, but haven't found anything close enough to call a match.

 

[shred5]

Looks like some sort of nudibranch/sea slug eggs.

 

[JwAllen]

Agreed, looks like nudibranch eggs

 

[dbg]

Identification unknown.

Identification unknown.

I am not sure what this is. Can you help? Where can I go to get help in identification?

 

[shred5]

I am not sure what this is. Can you help? Where can I go to get help in identification?

Looks looks like some sort of star polyp like briareum.

 

[dbg]

Is this a good thing or a bad thing? Are there any resources to help me identify critters I am finding? I also have these little bugs that are too fast for a picture. They are not a worm but almost resemble micro shrimp. (?)

 

[shred5]

Is this a good thing or a bad thing? Are there any resources to help me identify critters I am finding? I also have these little bugs that are too fast for a picture. They are not a worm but almost resemble micro shrimp. (?)

They are coral so it is good.....

The shrimp like things you are seeing are most likely amphipods.

http://www.melevsreef.com/node/141

http://www.masa.asn.au/masawiki/index.php/Hitchhikers_Guide_to_the_Reef_Tank


http://www.xtalworld.com/Aquarium/hitchfaq.htm

 

[dbg]

Thank you.

 

[ThRoewer]

They are coral so it is good.....

...

Briareum, like star polyps can overgrow other corals quickly so whether it's good or not depends on what else is in the tank.