Id needed please

[Helix149]

This guy came in on gulf live rock. It doesnt move but does open and close a mouth on the tip looks kinda like a red/dark orange dried up prune. Any idea what it actually is.. it doesnt appear to be a sponge and does react fairly quickly if touched or water movement stops or starts. It will close/open within a few seconds. It has a fleshy looking hole high on left side that I cannot get a picture of.

 

[bradleym]

Maybe a tunicate?

 

[Helix149]

I mean it reminds me of a tunicate BUT the thing is huge probably 2.5 inches long and 3/4-1 inch across. Think a living thumb on the rock with a mouth that opens and closes periodically. Also has wrinkly skin and grows algae like the rock.

 

[rayadog]

Maybe a tunicate?

Yea that should be a tunicate. Earned one the same way, Easy, calm hitchhiker. I haven’t seen much difference in.. 11 months; still alive.

 

[brittlestar]

I mean it reminds me of a tunicate BUT the thing is huge probably 2.5 inches long and 3/4-1 inch across. Think a living thumb on the rock with a mouth that opens and closes periodically. Also has wrinkly skin and grows algae like the rock.

there's lots of different species some are bigger than others