Is this an alien egg?

[DmitryB]

I got small batches of ocean live rock from a few places to diversify my tank's biological portfolio. The rocks came from Gulf Live Rock, Marco's and Tank Stop. I don't know which rock this is, but it's got these... pods on it. Big and squishy. You can see they flap in the flow. It may be some sort of plant life. Or it's an egg from the movie Alien. Anybody have any idea what this is and if it's reef safe? (It's a bit dark, I don't have lights on my new set-up yet.)

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

I think we're gonna need some light on it

 

[DmitryB]

Ok take 2!

 

[sixty_reefer]

 

[BryanM]

I am pretty sure they are sponges.

 

[DmitryB]

I am pretty sure they are sponges.

They're pretty ugly! Anybody eat those?

 

[BryanM]

They're pretty ugly! Anybody eat those?

No one has in my tank. I left them... You will likely have things growing on the rock in front of them down the road that will cover them up.

 

[DmitryB]

@Subsea Any idea what kind of sponge this is in my video above?

 

[Reef Jedi]

2 months later…

 

[Subsea]

@Subsea Any idea what kind of sponge this is in my video above?

I can’t see it. Detail a still picture close up with white light.

 

[DmitryB]

@Subsea Any idea what kind of sponge this is in my video above?

I can’t see it. Detail a still picture close up with white light.

The second video was done with white lights. Not sure if you saw that one or if it's still not bright enough.

 

[Subsea]

The second video was done with white lights. Not sure if you saw that one or if it's still not bright enough.

It looks like your live rock has tunicates with bryozoans on it.

They're pretty ugly! Anybody eat those?

With respect to ugly sponges, use toothbrush dipped in peroxide.

 

[DmitryB]

Yikes! Are they harmful? What I'm seeing online doesn't make any judgments on that. Just that they're filter feeders, etc.

 

[Subsea]

Yikes! Are they harmful? What I'm seeing online doesn't make any judgments on that. Just that they're filter feeders, etc.

They are not harmful. They consume DOC, POC and phytoplankton.

I thought you said they were ugly. I gave you an option.

 

[DmitryB]

They are not harmful. They consume DOC, POC and phytoplankton.

I thought you said they were ugly. I gave you an option.

Oh they're ugly. But I guess it's biodiversity? Do any fish or shrimp or anything eat them? I'm willing to give them a chance. Maybe I'll grow to like them! Thanks for your help!

 

[DmitryB]

2 months later…

This is what I'm thinking.