InvertID28

FAQs about Non-Vertebrate Animal Identification 28

Mixed Questions ~ 9//15/07 Greetings WWM Crew, <Jay> MAJOR Kudos on the site, I found it while researching some general info on live rock and have been glued to it ever since. I recently dove (pun?) into the saltwater realm with a 55g FOWLR adventure. I have been diving for years and figured adding some underwater realm to my everyday life could help fill in the gaps between diving trips. I added around 20 lbs of cured Fiji Live Rock from my LFS. My roommate hit the jackpot a few years ago when a Filipino Zebra Moray hitchhiked on his live rock, and although I have not had anything of that caliber pop out I have to say I am amazed at the life that has sprung up in only a 2 week period while I continue to cycle the tank. My first question is a sponge ID (picture attached). <Mmm, nothing attached> While browsing the site I seem to think it may be a Syconoid sponge - perhaps a Leucetta dafni? Although the two "mouths" seem to point to something else. I am also concerned that although this sponge seems to have survived the curing process, it does seem compacted against the live rock. Approximately how long until this sponge (assuming it is a sponge) starts to decay if it is indeed just a lifeless shell? <Days to months...> The rock was cured over a 2 week period. I would be inclined to remove it if I am able to see signs of decay. I also seem to have inherited some feather dusters of some type (see attached II - possibly a Bispira Variegata?) and another deep red flat duster type worm which at the moment does not seem interested in posing for a snapshot. <Again, no pics to be found> This morning after turning the 2 t8 (actinic and full spectrum) bulbs I also noticed several small (1/4'') clear shrimp like creatures scurrying for cover. At first I was concerned they may be juvi Mantis Shrimp, and although after researching the Mantis on your site (kudos again for the wealth of information!) has informed me that these are indeed extremely interesting creatures, I did not plan on dedicating my tank to their devices. <Heee! Even the best laid plans...> I researched some other arthropods and they may fit that bill, my question is - If I do not take action to remove them, approximately how long should I wait until they mature enough to where I can positively ID them as Mantis and not beneficial arthropods? <A few weeks likely> I would hate to start adding fish (O. Niger Trigger and False Percula Clown are planned although I will be moving the Trigger into the downstairs into a 125 gallon with the Zebra Moray when he gets larger...comments welcome on the stock) only to be knowingly harboring them with a voracious predator. <The Odonus trigger will take care of these> I appreciate your input and thank you for your time and dedication to this wonderful hobby, Jay <Thank you for your kind, encouraging words. Bob Fenner>

Attachment Follow up 9//15/07 Apologies the attachments I spoke of in my previous e-mail are contained within. Jay <Ah, are a sponge of some sort and a featherduster worm... can't be sure of species. BobF>

Tiny Chiton, Or Something Else? -- 09/14/07 Hello, <Hi there, Mich here.> I'm hopeful you can ID these little creatures which have shown up in my 24g AquaPod this past week. I've posted the linked photos on reefcentral and with my local club and people are leaning towards a chiton or some type of pod, I just want to ensure that whatever they are they are harmless to my fish & corals. These are tiny (see photo with finger for reference) <WOW!!!! The third finger photo really puts it into perspective!!!!! That was not at all what I was expecting!! Super tiny! I'm not sure how you managed to get the other two pic but good for you! Quite amazing considering just how small these critters are. Excellent job with the photography!> little "bugs" and are seen on the LR and on/near corals. The only thing I added recently was some macro from FL (didn't think to QT it, now I realize the error in my ways). <Ahh, yes, we all do dumb things at times.> When I went to grab some off a piece of LR they moved faster then I expected, not Mysid/pod running fast but faster then a snail. In the 2 larger photos the "head" or at least the way it was running, is on the left. <Yes is unusual, almost looks like horns.> http://members.aol.com/vcandiv/fish/thing1.jpg http://members.aol.com/vcandiv/fish/thing2.jpg http://members.aol.com/vcandiv/fish/thing3.jpg Thank you in advance for any ID <I'm not really sure. If they are Chitons they are the smallest I've ever seen. Chitons generally have eight linearly arranged overlapping articulating plates, which make up the shell. I can't make these out in the photo perhaps you can tell. But the antennae make me think this is not a chiton, but I'm not sure what it is. Check the daily FAQ's later today. I'm hoping RMF will chime in and you can see his response here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/daily_faqs3.htm ><<No se. RMF>> Candi <Cheers, and kudos to you Candi on some neat pics! Mich>

Hi Guys I Need Some Help Identifying This Item...Me Too! 9/10/07 Hi guys <Hi Chris, Mich here.> I need some help identifying this item... <Me too!> He showed up on some live rock and looks like he is boring his way through the rock, he seems to be eating a 1/3" hole in the rock. <This seems unlikely to me. I suspect it is just living in the hole. But could be wrong. Why do you say it appears to be eating a hole in the rock?> Its brown and about 1" tall with a 1/3" circumference. I have had a tough time trying to describe it to search for it, also turned up no results on Google and other aquarium related boards. <Well how about 20 questions? Does it react to touch or light? How does it feel? Hard, soft, smooth, rubbery? Does it move? If so how does it move? Fast? Slow? Does it appear to have a shell? Can you get a picture from a different angle? Are you using the macro feature (symbol usually looks like a flower) on your camera? Can you provide any more description, distinguishing features? My best guess, and is only a guess, is some type of sea cucumber. Mich> Chris Edwards

Likely a Sipunculid... RMF

What Is This!?! Nerite Snail Egg Capsules 9/10/07 Ok.. I have a 90g tank.. and just moved across town.. and set up all my rock/sand/water in new 90g tank with built in overflow...well... needless to say the move made my tank angry. <I'm sorry your tank is upset.> and I am now getting over the wave of algae that happened.. but I am finding a large amount of rust colored flat worms <So long as they are not too big, they are generally beneficial detritivores.> (which I am taking care of) <???> and alot <This is not a word. Should be 'a lot'. I mention just for Bob, as it is one of his pet peeves'¦ Right RMF? ;) > of these white hard disks I don't know where they came from if they are related to the rust flatworms, or if they are a parasite or not.. take a look and let me know please. As I said they are hard, white and cannot be siphoned off of the rock. <These are completely harmless Nerite Snail egg capsules, nothing to worry about. You can read more about them here: http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/sept2003/invert.htm Hope your tank gets happier! Mich>

Some Odd Creatures 9/7/07 Hi Crew! <Hi Christopher, Mich here.> Fairly new to Marine keeping, so wonder if you can help out. I'm wondering what some of these creatures are! Also wondering if you have any suggestions for changes to my tank, if stuff should be moved around, or changed in any way. <I will take a look and see what we can figure out!> First off a quick introduction. 55G Marine tank. About 5 months old. 3 Chromis, 2 Clowns (which have lymph I'm having trouble getting rid of) <Yikes!> 1 yellow tang <This tank is too small for this fish. It should be in a tank of at least 75 gallons, preferably more...> and 1 Kleini (to eat Aiptasia he's temporary) <Hope the tang is too!> a few hermits, an emerald crab, <Not to be trusted in my opinion> cleaner shrimp and a reef safe red lobster (he's precious but shy!) Ammonia 0, nitrite 0, nitrate 5-10, <Lower is better.> sal 1.022, <Higher is better, 1.023-1.025.> phosphate 0, calcium 450, temp 77-80. <OK.> The picture ending in 001, it looks like a shrimp and it seems to have had babies, and lots of them, what is it? <It is a Scud or Gammarus shrimp (Gammaridean amphipod). A beneficial addition to your tank and a tasty snack for your fish!> Ending in 003 and 004, next to my Xenia (I think that's what the pink stuff is called) <Likely so. Does it pulse? If so then it is definitely Xenia.> is something soft that moves in the current, is black, and has grown to be about 2 cm long. Any idea what it is? Is it a sponge? It looks a bit furry! Haha! <It could be a sponge or possibly an alga of some sort.><<Looks like a dead Neomeris covered by BGA... RMF>> And lastly, the picture ending in 005, is a picture of my tank. Just wondering if you have any suggestions as good help where I live is hard to find. <Umm, I hope you don't take offense at this, but perhaps attending MACNA next weekend and listening to Scott Fellman's presentation on "Aquascaping for the Aesthetically Challenged" might help you. I think you could do more with your rockwork. There are definitely some more interesting arrangement possibilities, you may want to take a look at some other tanks out there. Adding a background or painting the back of the tank would improve the overall look. I can't tell if there is a refugium tied into your system, but this would undoubtedly be a benefit. More here and related links in blue: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/refugium.htm > Any chance you could e-mail me back your reply? <Is the standard operating procedure as well as posting on the dailies queries page and then in the appropriate area on the website.> I'm not very good at finding stuff on your site yet, still a newbie. <Takes some time.> Thanks for a great site and any insight you might have! <Welcome!> Best regards, <Cheers, Mich> Christopher Ps. If you have any tips on getting rid of lymph let me know, haven't found much other than time so far! <Ugh, disease ID and treatment in fish is sooo not my strong point... how ironic that I'm also a nurse, huh? Have you seen these pages? http://www.wetwebmedia.com/clnfshdisart.htm http://www.wetwebmedia.com/lymphfaqs.htm http://www.wetwebmedia.com/lymphfaq2.htm > Have a fantastic day crew!
<Wishing you the same! Mich>

Please What is Growing on My Live Rock? Could be Anything! Maybe Palythoa. 9/4/07 Hi all <Hi John, Mich here.> I have searched your web page for pictures, but can't seem to figure out what this is. <Me neither! Is a really fuzzy pic of something! You, my friend, need to find your camera's macro setting (usually looks like a flower) and use it! ;) > The tank has been cycling for only two weeks now. Can you please help, I just want to know if it's good or bad. <I think what *might* be in the center of this pic is a Palythoa, a coral polyp and would be a fine addition to your tank. You can read more about my guess here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/zoanthid.htm > Sorry for the bad picture. <Good grief!> Thank you in advance. john
<Welcome! Mich>

Please visit our Sponsors