please help identify weird growth...

[fatsanta]

i need help identifying this organism in my reef. It is next to a rbta. Is it a swollen rbta since its color is almost similar to the rbta? Or is it something bad? Thanks ahead of time.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Do you have photos under white light?

 

[fatsanta]

Do you have photos under white light?

 

[IceNein]

Weird man. I have no idea, but I am interested in knowing what they are.

 

[therealjose90]

Having the same thing in a tank at work very curious to know to to kill it or remove it or even what eats it

 

[fatsanta]

Weird man. I have no idea, but I am interested in knowing what they are.

yeah... it detaches and floats around like a balloon and reattach to the rocks.

 

[fatsanta]

Having the same thing in a tank at work very curious to know to to kill it or remove it or even what eats it

do you have rbta as well? I'm wondering if something went wrong with the anemone and caused it to deform into this shape?

 

[fatsanta]

this is what chatgpt says....

This organism appears to be a type of encrusting tunicate (colonial ascidian) or possibly a marine sponge. Here are a few possibilities based on its gelatinous, lobed structure and coloration:

1. Colonial Tunicate (Didemnum sp. or Botrylloides sp.) –
   • These filter-feeding invertebrates form colonies that spread over surfaces like rocks and corals.
   • They have a somewhat soft, fleshy appearance with a translucent or opaque surface.
   • They can be pink, purple, or blue depending on species and lighting.
2. Encrusting Sponge (Porifera, possibly Haliclona sp. or other genera) –
   • Some sponges form a blob-like or encrusting growth pattern.
   • Sponges are filter feeders and often grow in shaded or protected areas.
3. Gelatinous Cyanobacteria or Bacterial Mat –
   • Some cyanobacteria species form pinkish, jelly-like colonies.
   • If it appears to spread quickly and has a slimy texture, it could be a bacterial mat rather than an animal.

Next Steps for Identification:​

• Touch Test: If it is firm and does not retract when disturbed, it's likely a sponge. If it compresses or retracts slightly, it could be a tunicate.
• Growth Pattern: If it spreads over surfaces and continues expanding in patches, it could be an invasive tunicate species.
• Water Flow: If you notice small openings (oscula) and slight movement of water around them, it could be a sponge.

 

[BryanM]

@ISpeakForTheSeas may be able to help