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FAQs about Sea Mats, Star
Polyps Identification
Related Articles: Mat/Star
Polyps, Blue, Pipe Organ Corals,
Related FAQs: Polyps 1, Polyps
2, Polyps 3, Polyp Behavior,
Polyp Compatibility,
Polyp Selection,
Polyp Systems,
Polyp Feeding, Polyp Disease,
Polyp Reproduction/Propagation,
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Clove polyps,
hydroids or feather dusters- octagonal ID 11/03/07
Hello Crew,
<Good evening, Sara here.>
My tank has been running for three weeks with live rock that my LFS says
came from Bali Indonesia. Several of the pieces have colonies of polyps
growing on them and they seem to be spreading. I'm hoping you can tell
me if these are something I need to worry about and ultimately remove.
At first I thought they might be Aiptasia but I have ruled that out.
<Good thought, they're not Aiptasia.>
I'm now thinking that these are either clove polyps or some sort of
hydroid.
<Well, the fact that they have eight tentacles per polyp is a big hint.
Thus, I would conclude that it is an octocoral of some sort.>
I guess it is possible they are feather dusters but I doubt that.
<Agreed. Not feather dusters...>
Each polyp is brown and has eight feathery tentacles. <good observation>
The tentacles retract into the stem if they are touched with the handle
of my net. The polyps are less than .25 inches in diameter. I'm not sure
if these will actually sting me so I haven't touched them with my
fingers.
Any help with ID'ing these and letting me know if and how these should
be removed would be greatly appreciated.
<They're some kid of "clove coral." Unfortunately, some hitch-hiking
clove corals can be as much a pain (if not more of a pain) than any
hydroid or Aiptasia. I've battled some that got into my aquarium for
over a year now. I don't know if yours will be quite as invasive or
relentless as mine have been, but if I were you, I wouldn't take any
chances. Unless you really like them, I'd suggest you try to kill them
off now before they get too settled in. Start with Kalk. If that doesn't
work, try vinegar. If that doesn't work... uh, there's always NaOH as a
last resort (but that's very corrosive stuff, so try not to mess with it
if you don't have to).>
Thanks,
Paul
<De nada,
Sara M.> |
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ID on live rock...
Octocoral – 10/18/07
Hello,
<Hi John, Mich with you tonight.>
I was wondering if someone could help with an I.D. of life that came on
a piece of live rock I purchased the other day.
<Well at quick glance I thought it was a sponge, but it is not. On
closer inspection it looks like an Octocoral of some sort, perhaps of
the family Clavulariidae. A nice surprise for you.>
Picture attached.
Thanks,
<Welcome! Mich>
John |
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Polyp ID Please... Pachyclavularia I
believe 9/6/07
Dear WetWebMedia
<Mich here, apologizing for the delayed response.>
Your website has been an invaluable source of information for me in the hobby of
fresh and saltwater keeping.
<Glad to hear! Bob will be pleased to read, I'm sure.><<Ah, yes.>>
Recently, I picked up a colony of "Star Polyps". I live in Japan and that is
what the shop owner said was their name. (Japanese naming conventions tend to
differ from English ones) After doing a search on your site and the web I am
beginning to wonder if what I have are actually Star Polyps since mine look
quite different.
<Not typically looking, but not out of the realm of possibilities. They could
indeed be star polyps. I have been discussing this with a fellow crewmember and
after much debate I do think these are star polyps (Pachyclavularia). Though I'd
be remiss if I failed to mention Briareum and even Anthelia as other perhaps
more desirable possibilities.>
Could you give this pic a once over to reconfirm that these are indeed Star
Polyps.
<Well, I wouldn't want to wager a lot of money on it, but yes.>
Thank you!
<Welcome, Mich>
Re: Polyp ID Please...
Pachyclavularia I believe 9/7/07
Dear WetWebMedia Crew (Mich)
<Hello again, Mich here.>
Thank you for you input.
<Welcome!>
My wife bought them on a whim and they are doing fine in the tank.
And if they truly are Star Polyps (Pachyclavularia) they likely will
continue to do fine. They are generally quite hardy and can be
allelopathic to the detriment of others. More here and the related links
in blue:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/clavulariids.htm >
The piece of rock also came with a lot of goodies as well.
<Grab-bag! (R*n with this hasher over the weekend!)>
So I am happy either way. Thank you again.
<Oh good! But do be careful to keep other corals a good distance away
from this polyp patch. Mich> |
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Polyp identification
9/2/07
Ok, question # 2 today. I just purchased some live rock and they
have these two items on them, one is what I believe to be button polyps
in the attached picture (the large ones on the right)
<"Button polyps" or Palythoa/zoanthids, whatever you want to call them.
They're colonial cnidarians of the Order Zoanthidea.>
what I can't identify through searching the FAQ's is the pink tipped
green anemone looking things on the right.
<It seems that there are a lot of these types of little anemones which
come in as hitchhikers. I've seen them called "majano" or "tulip"
anemones. I don't know much about their specific taxonomy or even if
they're all the same genus/species. Pretty much all I can tell you with
any certainty is that they're common and tend to be harmless. For some
people they become pests (by going forth to be fruitful and multiple).
However, generally it seems they are less often a nuisance than are
Aiptasia. Personally, I think they're cool and I actually tried to get
them to multiply in my tank without any success. So, basically it's a
gamble. They might become a nuisance or they might not.>
My question is what are these two species, and what do I do to keep
them, Ie. feeding, lighting?
<You shouldn't have to feed them specifically. If you generally feed the
tank well, they should get what they need. Both cnidarians like high
light but can usually adapt to less light.>
Thanks Dan_
<De nada,
Sara M.> |
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and bonus Anemonia majano at left! RMF. |
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Mystery ID: Clavularia - 6/2/07
Hi Crew,
<Hi Kirk>
First off I would like to thank you guys and girls for such a great website.
The amount of information is unbelievable!
<Thanks!>
My first saltwater tank has been running for 8 months now and this is the
first time that I have not been able to answer a question by searching the
site. Now for my question. There are creatures that are slowly spreading
across one of the rocks in my tank. I think they are some sort of worm
though I guess they could be a Cnidarian species.
<You're thinking right!>
I've attached two pictures of them. The first shows them closed up at night.
The tube-like structures near the center of the picture are the first parts
to expand into unoccupied territory on the rock. The second picture shows
them open during the day. They kind of look like underwater flowers.
<Indeed. They’re very pretty too. Some call these “Daisy”, or “clove”
polyps.> The "flower" on top is 3-4 mm across. They don't seem to be hurting
anything as my Xenia has "walked" onto this rock without showing any ill
effects. I was wondering if you could help me with the ID at all.
<What you have there is a stoloniferous coral, most likely a clavulariid of
some type. As you've already noticed, these guys like to spread out so just
keep an eye on them. Lots of information, starting here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/clavulariids.htm >
Thanks a lot,
Kirk
<You're very welcome. -Lynn> |
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Please identify 9/25/06
Hi
<Howdy>
I am not sure what this is. It came on the base of an Acropora coral and
has since spread rapidly. It looks kind of like a flower growing on a
vine. It spreads by sending out a runner and then shoots come from the
runner.
<Yep>
Any idea what it is? How can i get rid of it? I have looked all through
your site and through all the books i can find. Hope you can help.
Mike
<Is a Zoanthid or Clavulariid Polyp of some sort... Please read here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/zoanthid.htm
and the linked files above... Compatibility re removal... BobF> |
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Need Help With ID of Aiptasia /
Featherduster... 7/18/06
Hello again Crew! I'm in need of an ID of these clusters of things
that are popping up everywhere on my live rock. If I brush my hand over
them,
the feather-like tentacles retract into their tube. I've read through
the Aiptasia posts and still don't know if I'm on the right track with
this one.
There are 3 pictures (jpeg) attached to show you what I'm looking at.
<Mmm, look more like some sort of Zoanthid to me... though could be a
type of colonial anemone>
Picture 1 entitled - "Unknown ID 1" Shows the cluster on the live rock.
Picture 2 entitled - "Unknown ID 2" Shows a different cluster
magnified.
Picture 3 entitled - "Is This Aiptasia" I'm 99.9% sure this is the real
deal? And again, another cluster above the red circle.
I just bought some Joe's Juice just in case, but wanted to get a proper
ID before I do anything.
Thanks so much for your help and an amazing website!!!
Brett
<I would remove, scrub the infested rocks if you are overly concerned re
the spread, undesirability of this animal. I would not elect to use a
chemical poison with these. Do wear gloves, eye protection when
handling... Please read here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/zoanthid.htm
and the linked files above.
Bob Fenner> |
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Re: Need Help With ID of Aiptasia / Featherduster 7/18/06
Thanks, Bob! I've always wanted to keep Zoanthids - now I know I can!!!
Brett
<Heeeee! Great! BobF>
Re: Need Help With ID of Aiptasia / Featherduster 7/17/06
One more thing about these... Would you consider them a pest zoanthid?
<Mmm, only if "too much", stinging, poisoning, taking up space you would rather
have used elsewise>
I would like to keep more desirable types (layman - pretty) in the near
future. Do you think I would have a problem with them competing?
<If nearby, yes, definitely>
I think I want to leave well enough alone now.
Thanks again,
Brett
<I would as well. Bob Fenner>
Awesome, Thanks!
Brett
<Welcome. BobF>
Id these Polyps? 4/27/06
Hey WWF crew, <Hey!>
I purchased this rock of metallic green mushrooms at my LFS. On it are
a group of polyps, for which I have not been able to get an ID. I was
hoping you guys could help me out.
They appear to form a continuous mat, and are most extended when lights
are on. Each head is about 1/8" across, and the centers are a neon
green color.
<They look to be some type of Zoanthid. Check WWM for info on these.>
Thanks and keep up the good work!
<Thanks, have a great one, Jen S.> |
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Aiptasia... nope, "clove" polyps 4/10/06
[Original message below]
Hi there! I am attaching a photo of what I am pretty sure, from looking
at your site and others, is Aiptasia. I wrote a few weeks ago when they
had just appeared and were much smaller, but had no access to a digital
camera. Now, they have grown and they look more like Aiptasia than baby
dusters to me. Please confirm if I am correct (though I really hope
they're harmless!).
<Mmm, actually are a stoloniferous animal... a clavulariid... clove
polyp type:
http://wetwebmedia.com/clavulariids.htm>
And, if I am correct, do I need to take my duster out of the tank?
<Mmm, no... might need to be moved if this colony grows too close its
direction though.>
They are all attached to this mat-like thing wrapped around the duster's
tube. I read that scraping is a bad idea since they can regenerate if
you cut them. I've noticed my red-legged hermits munching on
them. When the crabs munch on them, does regeneration result?
<Possibly... though these colonies can be invasive on their own>
Finally, is it safe to use the Kalkwasser method when they are on a
feather duster?
<Mmm... not on the animal/colony itself, no>
Thank you also for the Cyano info. What you see in the picture is
actually just about all we have left. I bought the macroalgae 6-pack
special from Indo-Pacific and, although the "Tang Heaven" was eaten
within a couple of days, between the plants and siphoning, it appears to
be coming under control.
<Ah good>
I apologize for not splitting these topics up the first time. I will
most certainly do that in the future though. Again, thanks so much for
all of your time and dedication. All of you!
Jen
<I would enjoy this growth, animal... and keep it isolated/small-enough
by removing, cutting bits away, storing for a few weeks after in
isolation before returning to the main/display tank. Bob Fenner> |
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Coral ID 1/22/06
Hi Guys, <Hello>
This is a fragment of coral that is about 1cubic cm. It feels yielding
but not "soft" would you have any ideas of it's ID and where the best
location in the tank would be. It has been on the sand, blowing around.
<David, picture a little fuzzy but I'm sure it is Aiptasia and not
coral. Best location for it would be the toilet. You don't want these
guys multiplying and they do so quite fast. Read here. http://wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/cnidaria/anthozoa/aiptasia/aiptasia.htm
Thanks <You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)> <<
David |
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Re: Coral ID ... Aiptasia? - 01/23/2006
Hi James,
Yeah, sorry about the quality but I haven't the equipment for good macro shots
through glass. <Understand. My next camera will definitely have macro
capabilities.> I'm not so sure that it's Aiptasia, I have a few of those to
compare it to. <Do search Wet Web and others and I'm sure you will come up with
pics to compare to.>
They are on a small piece of tan/brown tissue with red/pink edge. This came as
a scrap with live rock and feels yielding to the touch. It floated around on
the substrate until the other day when I noticed the polyps extended. I can
clearly see that they, about 5 of varying sizes, are integral to the tissue
fragment and not attached to or in a crevice. The polyps are white, have 8
"arms" ( Octocorallia??) <Mmmm, generally sea fans, whips, pens, pansies etc.>
and the largest are about 5mm in diameter on a 5mm stalk with 5 mm long
tentacles. The tentacles are feathered on the edges unlike the smooth
Aiptasia.
It is a new tank and I introduced the live rock nearly two months ago and apart
from some hermits and snails for algae control there is nothing else in there
and at the moment there is something new every day. It is amazing but also
frustrating as identifying anything is so impossible, pictures are usually
crappy as most things are small, elusive or nocturnal and you really need to
have some basic idea of an organisms id before trying to research it. Any
chance of you guys putting together a book dedicated to Live Rock and its
commonly emergent live forms?? I'd buy one of those!! <Maybe Bob has one in
the works, he may input here regarding any book that may help you ID. If you
have a Barnes & Noble store in your area you may want to check them out/peruse
through their salt books.>
Thanks <You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
David
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Star Polyps...Or Not - 12/18/05
By "new", I mean the equivalent of babies.
<<ok>>
I have had a green star polyp for maybe two years, and over this length of time,
it has spread to a small rock. I have moved
the new rock to decorate the rest of the tank, but it has never been green, even
when it was next to the
original. It is brown, and the tentacles are feathered, much like an organ pipe
polyp, not smooth, like the rest of the green star polyp.
<<Tis a good chance these "babies" are not star polyps at all.>>
The original rock is green, but there are times when some areas look like the
new rock.
<<You may have two different species on one rock.>>
They seem to be like that after I have stirred up sand or "dusted" the rocks.
<<Maybe one "retreats", allowing the other to show.>>
But they always go back to green and smooth.
<<I can't say for sure what you are witnessing, but it's not likely a physical
transformation of the star polyps.>>
Or maybe the smooth green ones retract, exposing the fuzzy brown, then open up
again to hide them?
<<Aha! Now we're thinking along the same lines.>>
Anyways, why are they not green and smooth?
<<A different animal altogether me thinks.>>
Is it because they are young?
<<Not in my experience.>>
If so, how long until they become green and smooth? They have
been there for over a year now.
<<Like I said/you have deduced...not the same critter.>>
Thanks!!
Rebecca
<<Regards, EricR>>
Anemone? 7/25/05
Bob,
<fine, BE that way>
Thanks for your quick response regarding the slugs that have appeared in my
tank.
<He puts a ton of work into WWM, to the benefit of all>
I now have noticed something new on my LR. I'm attaching a couple of photos
for you to evaluate. Can you tell me if it's an anemone? It's about 1.5" in
diameter. Is it harmful? If so, what's my recourse?
<It's a pest 'Aiptasia' spp. anemone. Do a search on WWM regarding Aiptasia>
Best regards,
<To you, as well>
Terri
<M. Maddox>
Candy Cane and Anthelia questions 8/1/04
Hello. I've spent many hours on your site and I must say it's a great
resource. <Great to hear!>
I have a question about a stony coral I have (candy cane). Last night I
put a flashlight on it and noticed that between the stony columns is
growing a yellow kind of "fuzz" or something. I am not sure if it is a
disease or algae or what. Otherwise the coral looks healthy. Inflated
during the day and tentacles out at night for feeding. You can only see
this stuff at night when it's slightly deflated. I have attached an
image so you can see what I
mean. We've had the coral for about 3 months now with no problems.
<This is nothing at all to worry about. It is an encrusting sponge and
a very common occurrence between the branches of stony corals.>
Several other corals in the tank are soft ones. This is the only hard
coral. The tank is a 45 gal less than 6 months old, all readings are
zero, calcium is at 440 and pH is at 8.2 (we originally started it from
cycled water from our aquarist friend back then). I reduced the picture
and have a larger one if needed.
On another note, the anthelia has been struggling for days. I suspect
it's the pH but I am not sure since it's not excessively low. Would it
help to raise it and by how much? Also, there is a "life-form" attached
near by and I wonder if this is affecting it. At first I thought it was
a new colony of anthelia but now I
wonder if it is an unrelated different coral. A picture of this is
attached as well. Thank you for your help. Daphne <A pH of 8.2 is
perfect. What about alkalinity? IMO, Alkalinity is probably the most
important parameter to test regularly in a reef tank. The coral in the
picture is actually Clavularia. There are several things growing within
and around it: Valonia (bubble algae), hair algae, some Caulerpa and
some kind of mushroom anemone. Any or all of these things could be
affecting the Clavularia. I would try to move the mushroom, test
alkalinity and correct with a good quality buffer if necessary and be
sure that you have plenty of water movement. This is a tough coral that
should recover easily under good conditions. Best Regards. AdamC.>
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Stony Coral and Anthelia part II 8/3/04
Hi, thanks for your response. I forgot to mention that I am seeing tiny
pinkish white creatures swimming between the corals and LR with a tail, kind of
like a tiny tadpole. Are these pods or some kind of shrimp? I assume they are a
kind of shrimp.. are they good or bad? <They sound like some kind of
larvae. Probably good. They don't do much, and probably won't survive, but
they are good food for your other critters.>
As for the "anthelia"- Clavularia and the mushroom thing, they came
encrusted on a piece of LR, I didn't actually purchase it. I got rid of the
Caulerpa and am working on getting rid of the other algae. The "mushroom" looks
securely attached to the LR. Will I damage it if I pull it off? At night it
shrinks to a very small size and I wonder if that's the best time to remove it
from there. <The mushroom can easily be removed by working a knife or
screwdriver under the edge, gently working it to scrape the mushroom off of the
rock. Don't worry too much about injuring it, they are pretty tough. You can
then drop it into a plastic cup with some rubble to re-attach to.>
Also, what does IMO stand for? <Ooops.. Sorry... In My Opinion.>
Thank you. <No worries! Adam>
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Daisy polyps
Hello to all the fine WWM staff,
<cheers, mate... Anthony Calfo in your service>
I have searched your site and the internet but yet to find the actual
name/species of polyps I keep, (I have included pictures of them).
<they are related to Clavularia.. perhaps undescribed still. Do use
that genera for continued research and enlightenment>
I've often heard these referred to as clove polyps, although they do not
come close nor match the clove polyp pictures found in Corals A Quick
Reference Guide by Julian Sprung, or any other references/literature I
have read.
<agreed... they were at least as of recently still undescribed>
I have heard the name used in a LFS daises/daisy polyps. Also I'm a bit
concerned, as they haven't been opening for the past few days and seem to
be diminishing.
<they commonly are imported with a small predatory snail or even sea
slug... do spy at night for such predators. Else, poor water flow allows
diatoms (brown algae) to smother. If seen... scrub coral in a bowl of
seawater with a soft bristled brush like a tooth brush>
I run a mixed hard/soft reef tank and all is fine exception of the
so-called daisies.
<aggressive LPS corals or anemones nearby are also irritating to this
passive coral>
I have noticed my two peppermint shrimp picking occasionally around them
at night, though never thought much into it as they tend to do this to all
the corals and rocks without any noted negative effect on them.
<peppermint shrimp have been known to eat like polyps such as yellow
polyps ( so-called Parazoanthus axinellae). Do keep the shrimp as
suspects>
Any information you have or if you can direct me to the needs in caring
for these polyps, I would greatly appreciate it.
<strong random turbulent water flow (never direct), moderate light (VHO
very fine) and regular iodine supplements seem helpful (water changes or
small daily additives). Propagation tips on this and all popular coral in
my Book of Coral Propagation>
Thank you, Rob
<with kind regards, Anthony Calfo> |
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