Chordate or cnidarian?

  • Thread starter Thread starter martin.a
  • Start date Start date
  • Tagged users Tagged users None

martin.a

Active Member
View Badges
Joined
Mar 28, 2026
Messages
110
Reaction score
90
Location
Canberra
What state or country do you live in
Australia
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Or, more precisely: ascidian or anemone? It is (they are) a hitchhiker on live rock. They were not visible there when the rock arrived month ago. I noticed them yesterday. They are about 10mm tall and seem to be growing. They respond to touch, response is relatively slow, not rapid like with aiptasia. After touch they slowly retract into a 'small oval-ish ball' and come back after few minutes. Rocks are from east coast of Australia.
From they way they are attached to the rock, I would risk colonial ascidian, but gosh, where is the second siphon? And the flared rim?

20260519_112952.jpg
20260520_150417.jpg
 
Or, more precisely: ascidian or anemone? It is (they are) a hitchhiker on live rock. They were not visible there when the rock arrived month ago. I noticed them yesterday. They are about 10mm tall and seem to be growing. They respond to touch, response is relatively slow, not rapid like with aiptasia. After touch they slowly retract into a 'small oval-ish ball' and come back after few minutes. Rocks are from east coast of Australia.
From they way they are attached to the rock, I would risk colonial ascidian, but gosh, where is the second siphon? And the flared rim?

20260519_112952.jpg
20260520_150417.jpg

I’m not too familiar with Australian micro fauna, but this looks like some cnidarian to me.
 

TOP 10 Trending Threads

HOW IMPORTANT ARE FISH TO MAKING A REEF TANK FEEL COMPLETE?

  • Essential! A reef needs fish movement and personality

    Votes: 17 63.0%
  • Very important, but one or two fish may be enough

    Votes: 4 14.8%
  • Optional... a coral-only reef can feel completely finished

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • I actually prefer a coral-and-invertebrate-only system

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • It depends on the tank’s size, style, or purpose

    Votes: 4 14.8%
  • I’ve kept a fishless reef (details in the comments)

    Votes: 1 3.7%
  • Well...it's complicated... (answer in the comments)

    Votes: 1 3.7%
Back
Top
Home
Post thread…
Market
What's new