1$R
New member
hmmm , sorry to say, but it still looks like a skeleton coral with green algae grown over it. But, do what you want, honestly they wouldn't sell a green sponge for $10, sponges about those sizes go for $20-30.:idea:
Help identify! Green sponge?
- Thread starter Kentonluff
- Start date
hmmm , sorry to say, but it still looks like a skeleton coral with green algae grown over it. But, do what you want, honestly they wouldn't sell a green sponge for $10, sponges about those sizes go for $20-30.:idea:
sjwitt
New member
Did you just get it and just put it in the tank? If they're cool at the LFS then hold onto it a couple of days and check it at night to see if any polyp extension can be seen. Maybe feed the tank with phytoplankton or oyster feast and see if you get a feeding response. I can't see from the pictures whether it's algae or not ... I'm sure you KNOW what algae looks like and if it's spongy maybe it's not algae. I'm sure after a week or so you will be able to tell one way or the other.
MechEng99
aka Reef'd Up
Yeesh...I can't tell either. It looks like a coral skeleton covered in green film algae. Sponges are comprised of spicules and/or a protein mesh with tiny openings - yours looks like an actual skeleton.
If you're really really curious, you can do some of the following:
Use a magnifying glass to create a "cheap man's macro lens" for your camera - get some close-ups of the center of each opening. If you can't get a good photo, please draw what you see for us.
Break off a tiny piece and soak in bleach water - repeat above (the bleaching will remove any/all tissue and preserve the skeleton).
Break off a tiny piece and drop a bit of vinegar on it. Observe the effects (if any). If it is a sponge with a protein mesh, the vinegar will not sizzle. If it is a skeleton (calcium carbonate), it will sizzle.
If you're really really curious, you can do some of the following:
Use a magnifying glass to create a "cheap man's macro lens" for your camera - get some close-ups of the center of each opening. If you can't get a good photo, please draw what you see for us.
Break off a tiny piece and soak in bleach water - repeat above (the bleaching will remove any/all tissue and preserve the skeleton).
Break off a tiny piece and drop a bit of vinegar on it. Observe the effects (if any). If it is a sponge with a protein mesh, the vinegar will not sizzle. If it is a skeleton (calcium carbonate), it will sizzle.
Kentonluff
New member
Yea thanks for all the help guys. Like I said I'm just gonna hang on to it. Even if it is the skeleton it still looks cool. And who knows maybe something will decide it likes it for a home.
Also I'm really pumped my gf bought everything I need for a 55 gallon reef as an early bday present. Tank is cycling.
I can't wait to get it stocked with some awesome stuff.
Also I'm really pumped my gf bought everything I need for a 55 gallon reef as an early bday present. Tank is cycling.
I can't wait to get it stocked with some awesome stuff.
Kentonluff
New member
And we also went to a new location of a place called fish gallery here in Houston. There are some awesome frags there.
MattAndKim
New member
Maybe you should wait to get it stocked with coral. If you can't tell the difference between a coral, skeleton, or sponge, you are going to need more knowledge to be successful. People here would be glad to help you, but it would be to your livestock's benefit not to be so sensitive to criticism. Good luck.
bobbychullo
Super Abound
my guess was montipora tuberculosa by the shape of the skeleton but since ive never personally seen a skeleton from that type of coral so i was inferring from the encrusting style of the live coral....
tuberculosa from steve garrett's website:
liveaquaria:
tuberculosa from steve garrett's website:
liveaquaria:
Kentonluff
New member
Bobby that's the closest anyone has come so far I think. It's not a montipora I know for sure.
Kentonluff
New member
Oops not a brain.
