Name That Hitcher

[Joedirte83]

I purchased this rock for $20 at the LFS. I bought it for the 30 or so yellow polyps but the rock also has 2 brown button polyps, a clam shell, and this unidentified creature. It is circular in shape and soft to the touch. Extending outward from the base are short red hairs and it has a definite mouth located in the center at the base. When threatened, it recesses underneath the clam shell which is stuck to the rock. The item in question is located just below the sexy shrimp. Anyone have any ideas on this one?

FULLY OPEN

PARTILLY OPEN

FULLY CLOSED

UNDER ACTINIC LIGHTING

 

[Joedirte83]

Some research has revealed that the unknown item is most likely a rock anemone. Now to just find out was the name is.

 

[d9sccr]

sorry I can't help, but I love the Harlequin

 

[bencozzy]

ive seen this before at phishy business store on rocks from the pacific looks abit like the floridian rock anemone.

were did the rock originate from?

 

[bencozzy]

heres the name Epicystis crucifer(rock flower anemone)

 

[graveyardworm]

Kinda looks like, palythoa/zoanthid.

 

[graveyardworm]

Oooops just noticed the other thing on he rock, any chance it some type of coralimorph. Any chance of getting better pics?

 

[Joedirte83]

Here's a better image of the hitcher. I managed to get a quite detailed shot.

 

[coyoteseven]

Looks like a rock/flower anemone for sure in the last picture. The "kissing lips" around the mouth are the give-away. Your's is beautiful! Mine is a bland brown/green but was one of my very first hitchers and has become my favorite critter in my 90g.

 

[madadi]

THATS IS THE NICEST ROCK ANEMONE I HAVE EVER SEEN.

 

[bluenassarius]

very nice hitcher i'd keep it

 

[bencozzy]

it in the phymanthus family for sure.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/wildsingapore/444620826/in/set-72157600041720344/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wildsingapore/489512206/in/set-72157600041720344/
http://www.poppe-images.com/images/search_results.php?category=Anemones&family=PHYMANTHIDAE