ID please.......

[cwby416]

I noticed this strange worm/antenna like thing comming out of my new toadstool. It goes from being 2 inches to 12 inches and has perfectly seperated teeth/strands comming off it that strech out themselfs and retract off and on. I took 30 pictures and only 2 sorta showed up. Its like its thinner than a strand of hair too......

Thanks in advance for your help

 

[dpaynter]

Do a search on "sessile ctenophore" (if I have spelled it right.) It is a kind of jellyfish. If you look carefully on the toadstool, you may be able to find the body. It is usually nearly transparent or a very light color pink.

They are harmless and very interesting creatures. I had several in my tank at one time. I was able to remove a few and sent them successfully to another reefer, but they eventually died out in my tank.

 

[cwby416]

thanks for the ID

:shock: OMG I just looked that up, and thats the freakiest thing!! now I dont want to stick my hand in there!! :shock:
will it hurt anything in the tank??

 

[NaH2O]

I agree with dpaynter. Here is an article about them from Dr. Shimek: 10-oh-4, Good Buddy!!. Here is an image from Ron's old website:

 

[wrightme43]

THAT is COOL!!!!!!!!!!
I wish I had one. Congrats. I hope you enjoy it as long you can.