Duncan Coral Help: Strange tentacles on one side & exposed skeleton base?

[Beth93]

Hi everyone!

Quick note on the photos: The bright pictures were taken tonight using a flashlight, so the coral heads are currently retracted. The smaller photo is from a few weeks ago out of the tank to show the growth of the strange tentacles I'm asking about.

I’ve had this Duncan frag for 2 months now and it generally seems really healthy. It has 6 very large heads and is currently growing 2 or 3 more around the back. However, on the side shown in the photos, it has developed these long, brown/grey tentacles.

As I am brand new to reefing, I originally assumed this was just how it grew new heads. It’s been like this for about 3–4 weeks, but now that I've seen how Duncans actually grow new heads, I can clearly see this is something else.

I have two questions for the group:

• Question 1: Can anyone tell me what these long brown/grey tentacles actually are, what is wrong with the coral, and how I can fix it (if it even needs fixing)?
• Question 2: Should I be concerned about the base of the skeleton? I can actually see inside it. We are just finishing up our tank's "ugly phase," and I am hoping a member of my overly thorough Clean-Up Crew (CUC) just accidentally chipped off the exterior of the skeleton.

The rest of the Duncan is incredibly happy, but since it's my absolute favorite piece, I really want to make sure it thrives!

(Note: Please ignore the very bottom base of the frag plug—it had to go through some major gluing procedures after it snapped off, so it isn't the prettiest right now! I have also already noticed the Aiptasia on the left, but I introduced a peppermint shrimp today, so hopefully that will be taken care of soon.)

Thank you all so much for any help or advice!

 

[Tahoe61]

At this point if the Duncan appears otherwise healthy I would wait and watch.

The unknown is very unusual. It appears to be material perhaps used for coral placement post fragging, remnants.

Old remains of hydroids or bryozoan maybe.

@ISpeakForTheSeas

Thank you.

 

[Beth93]

At this point if the Duncan appears otherwise healthy I would wait and watch.

The unknown is very unusual. It appears to be material perhaps used for coral placement post fragging, remnants.

Old remains of hydroids or bryozoan maybe.

@ISpeakForTheSeas

Thank you.

Thank you, I've taken a picture this morning of the Duncan but it looks unphased by it at the moment.

The tentacles are definitely growing so seem to be alive!

 

[Tahoe61]

It looks fantastic.