ID PLEASE (Photo)

[jacksonimaging]

I have found something interesting in my tank today...

What is white with bright red spots and is squishy all over?

There are 2 of them and they are a little smaller than a marble. They appear smooth with red dots. I poked them a little with a stick ( turkey baster) to see if they would move (run away or close in anyway) they didnt move. There are little black bugs that I saw run across them. Ick. Any ideas. They kinda look like they have legs but I cant be for sure! Thanks for the help!

 

[LeslieH]

That's been posted about before. No one was able to come up with an id. The two best guesses are that it's a tunicate or an algae. I think it's a tunicate. Are all the spots the same size or is there one larger one?

 

[jacksonimaging]

They all seam to be about the same size. In the photo you can see the largest one (Center bottom) I cant see all around it so im not sure. both of them havent moved. The reason I found them was I moved some algae and there they were!

 

[LeslieH]

If you wanted to send me one (preserved) I can figure out what it is. On the other hand, it is awfully pretty alive and in your tank.....

 

[jacksonimaging]

I have 2 of them so I might be up for that. I am just thinking of the best way to get them out... They are attached to the live rock... should I pull or slice? What should I put it in? I can get a vial and some preservation solution (I know an entomologist). Let me know what I should do and I think I can part with one.

 

[LeslieH]

Cool - it would be nice to get it into a phylum at least! To get it off the rock use something that will dig into the rock so the underside of the thing is intact. I use paint scrapers in the field. For preservation algae & tunicates both do best in 5% formalin; 70% ethanol is second best. Put it in a vial that has enough room to contain 1/3 critter & 2/3 preservative. Something like this is mostly water which will leech out of it & dilute the preservative so after 24 hrs pour off the fluid & replace with fresh formalin or ethanol. Let it sit another 1-2 days. That takes care of preservation. To ship it, pour off the fluid & put damp cotton or a piece of damp paper towel in the vial for cushioning. Put tape around the vial top to secure it. Triple bag the vial in baggies - the post office hates leaking packages. Use a strong box that won't get crushed in the mail. Now it's ready to ship 1st class or overnight.

If your friend gives you formalin be sure to ask about how to handle it safely. Wear gloves & work in a well ventilated area. It's embalming fluid and nasty but invaluable to field biologists.

 

[jacksonimaging]

I got a vial and the 70% Alcohol. I did well in science, but it has been a while so I hope I don't ruin it! I will try to get it out tonight and start the process. Where should I mail it to? It might come with some live rock. I will do my best to keep it intact. Like I said it is about 1/4 in across. It is right next to the other one and a mushroom. It just popped up about a month after I upgraded my lighting to PC lighting. Let me know if you need any other info. Thanks for taking a look!

 

[MNorton456]

CP and I have a theory. I think that they are sea squirts. Specifically Didemnum molle in the Chordata phylum. They are pictured in "The Complete Encyclopedia of the Saltwater Aquarium" written by Nick Dakin on page 360. Barnes and noble might carry it if you wanted to take a look. If not you can take a look at my book. Hope this helps!!

 

[jacksonimaging]

I would second that Mel but There is no larger hole/mouth or what not. They seam to be solid if you will. I cant see all the way around them though. You should come take a look at them.