Ocean Live rock hitchhiker identification

[Tom Boyle]

Hi All!

I recently purchased 35 lbs of live ocean rock from the gulf and received a strange hitchhiker. At first glance, I thought it was part of the rock. But it’s has since opened up on the top, and receded when poked with feeding tongs. I’m thinking it might be a cucumber, but from what I read, it would have feeding tenticles (which I do not see). I’m more curious than anything, but also a bit concerned if a cucumber as I read some can be toxic to fish.

Thank you!!

 

[Elira_6301]

Hi All!

I recently purchased 35 lbs of live ocean rock from the gulf and received a strange hitchhiker. At first glance, I thought it was part of the rock. But it’s has since opened up on the top, and receded when poked with feeding tongs. I’m thinking it might be a cucumber, but from what I read, it would have feeding tenticles (which I do not see). I’m more curious than anything, but also a bit concerned if a cucumber as I read some can be toxic to fish.

Thank you!!

I've got those that came in on a coral rock. I was told its a barnacle of some sort. He doesnt seem to bother my corals so I just let it be.
:) might not be a barnacle. But hes definitely a filter feeder.

 

[BristleWormHater]

I believe that's a tunicate, harmless filter feeders. Get a picture in white light for a proper ID.

 

[IKD]

Looks like a tunicate. Is it relatively soft?

 

[Tom Boyle]

I believe that's a tunicate, harmless filter feeders. Get a picture in white light for a proper ID.

Sorry for the delay. Does this help??

 

[Tom Boyle]

Looks like a tunicate. Is it relatively soft?

Yes it is pretty soft.

 

[ISpeakForTheSeas]

Definitely a solitary tunicate - harmless filter-feeder and pretty neat.

 

[LiverockRocks Verified Sponsor]

Sea squirt - solitary tunicate, reef safe filter feeder.