feather kind of worm ID for Leslie

[mokeyz]

Hi Leslie and All,

I don't think I can get a picture as I can only see this worm with a magnifying glass, hope my description is enough.

This fan like feathery thing comes out of a coral skeleton unfurls, twists around, folds up again and goes back down into the skeleton, then repeats the process continuously. The fan is feather like but not a full circle of feathers like a common feather duster.

What do you think and thanks in advance,

Marlene

 

[greenbean36191]

Sounds more like a barnacle than a worm to me.

 

[LeslieH]

Yeah, a barnacle. A filter feeder that will help keep your water clean.

 

[mokeyz]

Yeah, that's what I thought too except I don't see a barnacle just the feather. Thanks.

 

[greenbean36191]

It's common for barnacles to settle on the coral and then be overgrown as the coral grows so all you see is an opening with the tentacles waving.

 

[Reefmack]

I've seen these in my tank too. No sign of a barnacle shell, and only 1/4 inch fan. I didn't realize there were barnacles this small. There must be several species?

 

[greenbean36191]

Yep, there are lots of species. A fan of about 1/4 is probably about average, even on the bigger side for species in the hobby.

 

[mokeyz]

Very cool that they can be overgrown by the coral - I love this stuff!!!!