Pineapple Sponges

[TMarie]

Are these Pineapple Sponges? I just noticed them today. Are they good or bad? I read both... thanks.

 

[AlyciaMarie Verified Admin]

Looks like pineapple sponge to me! They are harmless filter feeders and will vanish on their own in time. My understanding is that they only cause issues if they grow close to coral and irritate them (just because of proximity), or potentially clog up equipment if there are a ton of them growing inside of said equipment. But I don't think either of those cases are common. 9 times out of 10, nothing to do with these little guys if you see them growing.

 

[DillyP]

Looks like pineapple sponge to me! They are harmless filter feeders and will vanish on their own in time. My understanding is that they only cause issues if they grow close to coral and irritate them (just because of proximity), or potentially clog up equipment if there are a ton of them growing inside of said equipment. But I don't think either of those cases are common. 9 times out of 10, nothing to do with these little guys if you see them growing.

In my experience they prefer the lowest light areas of your tank, I believe the only reason I was able to keep a linkia star for about 3 years was all that pineapple sponge he was eating!

 

[TMarie]

Looks like pineapple sponge to me! They are harmless filter feeders and will vanish on their own in time. My understanding is that they only cause issues if they grow close to coral and irritate them (just because of proximity), or potentially clog up equipment if there are a ton of them growing inside of said equipment. But I don't think either of those cases are common. 9 times out of 10, nothing to do with these little guys if you see them growing.

Thank you. I'd never had them before. Got some newbies a few weeks ago, and was worried they'd be harmful. Appreciated.