Tunicate? Sponge?

RiaanP

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I got these growing in the shade.



Rather big, about 80mm. The hole is about 5mm. Black with a velvet feeling.

Are they Tunicates? Or Sponges?
 
My quess would be sponges... as most tunicates have individual "pollops"... i am not sure either !!!
 
Most sponges will die if exposed to the air for more than a minute or so. But remember that die - off will then happen in your tank. So probably an easier way would be to take a scalpel or razor blade and try and cut off as much as you can outside the tank in a bucket with some tank water of which you can throw away after this has been done. Remember to wear gloves to protect yourself from any potential harmfull bacteria ect.
 
Definitely a sponge. Tunicates are more individual like pineapple shaped animals. If it starts growing over into the light then it's a photosynthetic sponge which is bad as they can grow extremely rapidly and overtake your tank.
 
sea squirts?
 
Sea Squirt is the common name for tunicate. Closest I could find on Google images is
Rhopalaeaabdominalisweb.jpg


Rhopalaea abdominalis - reef tunicate

http://www.cryptosula.nl/BonaireTunicata.html

Or more thre right colour
Phallusia_nigra_500x500-300x300.jpg

Phallusia nigra


Phallusia nigra - Miscellaneous Reference Library - redOrbit
 
well then turnicate it is, i didnt read the other replies, next time i will :p
 
cool
They are not overlay aggressive as in taking over the rocks. Just found them to be another interesting part of this hobby.
 
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