ID please

[JPloman]

Is it possible to get an idea on what this is? It started growing in my tank about two months ago and just keeps getting bigger and prettier. I would like to know what it is, if at all possible.

 

[gehidore]

How big is it? Is it hard or soft?
At this point it looks like a mushroom to me.

 

[JPloman]

Its soft. It is about the size of a penny now, but it has been there about two months now. Some have suggested that maybe it is a plate coral, but I have my doubts. Corals just dont grow on you rlive rock randomly... do they?

 

[NaH2O]

They could. Some softies will make a comeback after you think all is lost. If it is soft, then i would also think mushroom. When you look at it, does it have a "mouth" of anykind...something that resembles a slit? Or does it have tentacles that come off of the top side? When you say its soft....is it pliable? or does it feel like there is a skeleton to it?

 

[lizardarm]

yeah, need to know/see if it's got a mouth. can't quite tell from the pic, but it might sort of kinda look like the bootom side of some sort of mussidae? maybe.

 

[lizardarm]

Corals just dont grow on you rlive rock randomly... do they?

you'd be amazed at the weird stuff that can sneak in on live rock. usually not really anything that you want, but every once in a while, it ends up being a good deal.

 

[JPloman]

Cool. Well I dont see a mouth... that doesnt mean its not there though. There is this area where it folds a bunch nest to the rock and I can not see in it. I am afraid if I touch it too much it will break or die.

 

[lizardarm]

maybe try moving the rock to get a pic from a different angle.

 

[JPloman]

Okay, bottom side is smooth. Top side has some bumps like my mushrooms. There is no visible mouth, but it could still be too small. I couldnt get a better photo of the folded part.

It is pliable, but not a whole lot. I am afraid to move it too much... it would suck if I broke it. I am not seeing any tenticles. It is really small yet. It is about the size of a dime...

 

[JPloman]

Check out this other stuff I am growing. I cured all this rock myself... I did a good job!

Anyone have any clue what these are?

 

[lizardarm]

the macro algae i think is called sargassum or sarcassum. i have it growing in my tank as well. it tends to grow real long floating branches. neat stuff.

 

[JPloman]

Cool beans! I cant wait!!!