Is this a pest on my Acropora?

[KGV]

Just bought this acro frag from my LFS, and was fragged from a maricultured colony. Note the curious sun ray patterns on the flesh. I’ve never seen this before. Any ideas?

 

[KGV]

Just bought this acro frag from my LFS, and was fragged from a maricultured colony. Note the curious sun ray patterns on the flesh. I’ve never seen this before. Any ideas?

Self-reply: After some observation, it turned out that these were barnacles. Their mouth pulsate, throwing out a net for filter feeding. Seems the community is divided on whether you want these on your acros or not.

 

[Charlie’s Frags]

I always cut them off.

 

[DrZoidburg]

Barnacle? Yea I cut them off too cause will impede growth.

 

[DrZoidburg]

Here you can see what they can do this euphyllia colony I got shipped. No good

 

[Tired]

Weird. I wonder what they're doing that causes harm? Maybe some sort of chemical release?

 

[DrZoidburg]

More of an irritation /impede growth thing. @Tired