What Lies Beneath?

[manfrog]

What the hell is this thing growing on me Hammer Coral? I purchased the frag about five months ago and it has grown fine and seems no worse for the wear. About a month ago what can only be described as a transluscent mass appeared just below the head and has steadily grown. It looks like someone went crazy with the super glue but this is not the case. Has anyone seen this before? Thanks

 

[aromano]

could it be some sort of sponge hitchhiker?

 

[BeachBumm]

could it be some sort of sponge hitchhiker?

+1

Try and remove it , if it comes off very easy it probably is sponge

 

[manfrog]

I figure it is a hh sponge. Why can't the ornamental sponges be this hardy? Although the sponge does not appear to be slowing the growth of the main Hammer Coral (head) I might remove the sponge. The coral appeared to be forming new heads in the spot the sponge decided to take. So I guess the sponge is not completly benign.

Here it is at "lights out".

 

[Sk8r]

Might have to do with light levels. If sponge takes over it may be happier with lower light, while the lackadaisically growing hammer may not have enough light. That situation is where sponge may prevail.