What is this ?

[bourbeaue]

These little white balls have been multiplying in my reef. Not sure if it is a ball of eggs of something, or some sort of sponge.

Can anyone help ID ?

thanks

E

 

[bourbeaue]

Here's the picture....

 

[bourbeaue]

hummm... seem to be having problems posting the picture.

One more try...

E

 

[bourbeaue]

I also am gettting an increasing number of these small white starfish which often are asymmetrical (unlike the one in this photo). Could the white balls be related to them ?

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

It's hard to tell from the pic, but the white balls could either be sponges or tunicates, both are harmless. The starfish is an asterina starfish, also usually harmless.

 

[MCSO CST]

do they have transparent tenticals with white balls on them?

 

[Softhammer]

Sponges, I have tons of those too. It's a good thing!

 

[Dave71]

Sponge and Asterina .

They are related....they are both hitchhikers.

 

[mscarpena]

Could be over feeding your tank if both are reproducing rapidly.

 

[Meus]

Be careful, asterina stars with green backs have been known to eat coral polyps. Brown, cream or white backs are fine, though they will reproduce rapidly.