Coral ID Please

[chuckawd]

We have had these corals in our tank since just after the cycle was complete and I have no idea what they are. I have been told that they are some sort of polyp (sand polyp) or encrusting anemones. What do you all think? I hope they are not bad for my tank because I like them a lot however, I have never seen them for sale in any reef shop or in pictures of others tanks.

There are about 8 of these on this rock. In the AM when actinics turn on they have green mouths but it fades throughout the day.

These are what I am told are sand polyps or encrusting anemones.

Any thoughts?

 

[Jacwil]

Palythoa's and quite safe...just don't eat them

 

[Gravesj1s]

Polyp in the upper left corner of the colony has a base attached much like a flower has a stem,that one polyp has a stolon<---if I remember that right.

If thats correct ,identity would be protopalythoa......I think.

 

[Jacwil]

lol...ok

 

[chuckawd]

Awesome guys thanks a bunch!! Are they both protopalythoas or just the big colony?

 

[Gravesj1s]

both,

 

[Dave VG]

The red ones are very invasive keep an eye on them. I got one as a hitchhiker with a coral I bought and thought wow 2 for 1. Once established they grew like crazy and about covered a rock 4 by 5 in about a month over running some hulk zoas in no time at all. Luckily I fraged the zoas not knowing what was going to happen between them. Very glad I did. Tried to kill them off but could only manage to slow there progress. Finally took the rock out as they were looking to cross to another rock and make there way up the main rockwork. After removing the rock I found some in the sump of all places and growing.