unidentified wrms in torch

[swreefers]

I added a torch frogspawan to my main display tank and it has opened up and has really nice color. However today while I was observing the new additions I noticed 3-4 little worms that had bored there way into the shaft or the stem of the torch and I am having trouble identifying these creatures. They are transparent or lite white in color about 1" long and have black rings about every 1mm apart from head to tail. I do not have a picture currently but will try to upload later. Any suggestions would be helpful.

I also added a green brain coral and a branching hammer from the same system but they had no signs of this creature. However they did have some brittle star hitchhickers which are welcomed.

 

[Hormigaquatica]

any clear pictures? an ID will be very difficult without a few, sorry

 

[swreefers]

Unfortunately we don't have any clear pictures. We attempted numerous times last night. If we can successfully get a good picture, we'll post it. We called the LFS where we purchased the coral and they think that it is a black and white brittle starfish. We've never seen a black and white starfish. We're going to watch it very closely. Thanks for trying to help us.

 

[seapug]

If they are coming out of the base of the coral (non living tissue) My guess is mini-brittle stars. Usually all you see are their arms sticking out of holes in rocks. They are good to have.

 

[swreefers]

I believe you are right after taking a better look at the legs they are not independent. At first glance they appeared to be several small worms boring there way into the base. So last night i filled a bucket of tank water removed the coral for a closer examination and i now believe they are brittles one big one and several small one on the other side taking residence in the holes. However there was a jelly type bacteria growing around the large brittles hole and around the base of the soft tissue on the second stalk. So i was told to take a new soft tooth brush and gently brush the bacteria away which i did. The coral was return and all seems to be well. How do the holes get in the base is it from were it was prior or during growth do they have imperfections?

 

[swreefers]

Here is a picture of the holes and the brittles prior to removing the jelly bacteria

 

[seapug]

Coral heads are the home to huge numbers of animals that live on, around and inside them. They often come along when collected and sold.

The jelly looks like a sponge to me. was it "slime" or did it have more substance? I'd be careful about scrubbing live tissue with a brush. You are inviting damage and infection of deilcate tissue. Most of the time you are better to just leave things be. It all contributes to the diversity of your tank.