What the *@#! is this?!

[BigBarnacles]

Shortly after introducing this open brain to my aquarium I noticed a few "strands" coming from underneath it. Over time the "strands" got brave and extend as far as 5 inches or more. They look like a frayed hair (with smaller branching hairs coming off the main "strand"). I have noticed a small feather duster (I assume) under the open brain as well, but can't tell if the "strands" come from it and possibly another feather duster or somewhere else.

In this pic the "strand" extends almost all the way to the top of the pic. It crosses the small rock in the background. Due to it's white/transparent nature it's almost impossible to see it's connection to the open brain over the sand:

The "frays" of the "strand" are more visible in this pic:

I know it's difficult to make it out well in these pics. But it's not the pics. It's hard to tell in person too. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Just want to know if it's good or bad. Thanks.

 

[nanoreef heaven]

I forget what it's called if it's what I think it is like a long tentacle that stings anything it touches and reproduces easily. I just yank them out. But can't say cause I can't see for sure.

Sent from my SGH-T989 using Xparent Pink Tapatalk 2

 

[taylor t]

From your picture, is the long snot trail coming from what appears to be a tube worm at the base of the coral? From your picture, it looks like a tube worm sending out it's snot trail for some food. Mine seem to send those out after a heavy feeding, disturbing the sand bed, or moving a coral (disturbing).

 

[Superman92088]

i have them in my tank. they are harmless

 

[Superman92088]

your sand is becoming live sand

 

[BigBarnacles]

your sand is becoming live sand

Sweet. Good to hear. Any idea what they're called?

 

[Superman92088]

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-06/rs/index.php

 

[David520]

Look up Vermicelli worms, thats is probably what it is.

 

[BigBarnacles]

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-06/rs/index.php

Nice article. I'd say it closely resembles a spaghetti worm as there are 1 or 2 smaller tentacles visible as well. As long as the locals are happy I'll keep it in there.

 

[chgoblknazn]

I had the same thing coming out of my sand. I would touch them and they would disappear. Freaked me out too because it was coming from under my plate coral and I didn't think they sent out sweepers.

 

[BigBarnacles]

I had the same thing coming out of my sand. I would touch them and they would disappear. Freaked me out too because it was coming from under my plate coral and I didn't think they sent out sweepers.

Whatever it is appears to be attached to the underside of the open brain coral.

 

[Superman92088]

im trying to find more pictures of it to help you define what they are

 

[Superman92088]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1906725
see this one

 

[BigBarnacles]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1906725
see this one

That's not it. The tentacles are white and look frayed. They get up to six inches long. I'm only seeing two as well.

 

[Superman92088]

im sure there are different types of sand worms but essentially they are all the same. but yeah i know what you are talking about

 

[bocochoco]

I used to have these...something to do with fishing or angling...they breed fast. I had a problem a while back and they all died off

 

[drew11588]

digitate hydroids. they sting and spread pretty quickly. ive had success with a few by super gluing their hole shut

 

[SushiGirl]

BigBarnacles, it's a type of Ctenophore, related to jellyfish. Comb jelly I think? I can't search right now, just rebooted my computer for an upgrade & am on my phone.

Edit: computer's back up, gimme a minute!

OK, benthic ctenophore. I have no idea why I say comb jellies every time...that must be how I found them the first time or something LOL.

 

[BigBarnacles]

BigBarnacles, it's a type of Ctenophore, related to jellyfish. Comb jelly I think? I can't search right now, just rebooted my computer for an upgrade & am on my phone.

Edit: computer's back up, gimme a minute!

OK, benthic ctenophore. I have no idea why I say comb jellies every time...that must be how I found them the first time or something LOL.

Good eye Sushi! That's exactly what it is (benthic ctenophore). I watched a YouTube video of one and it is a spot on match. An article I read says they feed on plankton and don't bother other corals. It's rare for them to reproduce and they generally live just a few weeks. So, have you had experience with them?

 

[SushiGirl]

I've never had one myself, but have seen this question a few times here. I always learn stuff here & try to pass it along. I have a need to ID hitchhikers LOL. I saw that vid last night too, was hoping you'd run across it in your search. My next challenge will not be calling it a comb jelly next time! :lmao: